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Groups at high risk

There are insufficient data available at this point to determine who is at higher risk for complications of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. At this time, the same age and risk groups who are at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications should also be considered at higher risk for swine-origin influenza complications.

Groups at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications include:

• Children less than 5 years old
• Persons aged 50 years or older
• Children or adolescents (aged 6 months – 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
• Pregnant women
• Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurological, neuromuscular or metabolic disorders
• Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

 Symptoms

Swine influenza A virus infection can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary from mild to severe. Severe disease with pneumonia, respiratory failure and even death is possible with swine flu infection. Sometimes bacterial infections may occur at the same time as or after infection with influenza and lead to pneumonias, ear infections or sinus infections.

Transmission

Transmission of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) is being studied as part of the ongoing outbreak investigation, but limited data available indicate that this virus is transmitted in ways similar to other influenza viruses. Seasonal human influenza viruses are spread from person to person primarily through large-particle respiratory droplet transmission (e.g. when an infected person coughs or sneezes near a susceptible person). Transmission via large-particle droplets requires close contact between source and recipient person because droplets do not remain suspended in the air. Contact with respiratory-droplet contaminated surfaces is another possible source of transmission.

Reducing the risk

The risk for swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) might be reduced by taking steps to limit possible exposure to persons with respiratory infections. These actions include frequent handwashing, covering coughs and having ill persons stay home except to seek medical care. Additional measures that can limit transmission of the virus reducing unnecessary social contacts and avoidance whenever possible of crowded settings.

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