Swine flu was first identified in parts of Mexico. Since its discovery, it has spread to every continent in the world. It has been labeled Swine Flu due to its presence in pigs. Close contact with pigs is generally not regarded as a means of becoming infected, people are advised to cook pork thoroughly before consumption. The most common method to spread infection with H1N1 is through respiratory droplets when infected people cough or sneeze.

H1N1 is responsible for approximately 12,000 deaths. People who have Swine Flu show characteristic symptoms for influenza including body aches, shivers, vomiting and diarrhea. Similarities in the symptoms with common Flu have complicated diagnosis. Laboratory analysis is used to differentiate the two Flu strains. It is recommended that any person exhibiting Flu-like symptoms should seek medical treatment immediately. Drug treatment with Oseltamivir or Zanamivir may be prescribed as these have successfully helped people infected with Swine Flu. This combined with bed rest and fluids is the best method of treatment.

Prevention is the preferred method for stopping the continued spread of H1N1 in areas of the Southeast states and other parts of the world were the Virus remains active. H1N1 vaccine is available in these areas and people not yet infected should become vaccinated. Other methods of prevention include washing hands often, avoiding those infected with H1N1 and using antiseptic hand wash. Infections with H1N1 not over yet and people should remain cautious.

Health officials are expressing concern that the potentially lethal virus may make a comeback. It was noted previously that there was a steady increase in the number of reported cases of the virus during the months of August, September, and October. The World Health Organization is recommending that the H1N1 vaccine be manufactured as part of the traditional seasonal flu shot.

The H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu, became a pandemic in April 2009. The virus was first noticed when some residents in Mexico and the United States exhibited flu like symptoms. In October 2009, United States President Barack Obama declared the illness a national emergency. A vaccine was quickly developed against the virus and was initially distributed to those most susceptible. The vaccine was delivered in the form of an injection or nasal mist. It was later stated that the vaccines may not provide protection against the H1N1 virus for the extended period of time that it was originally believed to have.

An estimated one in five Americans caught the swine flu virus in 2009. Approximately 16,000 people have died from the virus.

While H1N1 seems to be decreasing in incidences around North America it has had a large increase in cases in West Africa and Southeast Asia. Currently, Thailand has a large amount of cases of the flu as does Rwanda and a few other West African countries.

While the flu may have slowed down in many other parts of the world, WHO officials warn that the pandemic is not over. Springtime weather generally brings on another surge of the flu and the Swine Flu will not be any different.

While the vaccine for the flu is encouraged, keeping your hands clean is the best bet against catching or passing the flu. Thoroughly washing your hands several times a day, especially after being in public, will be one of your best safeguards against the flu.

Anne Schuchat stated in a briefing Friday that the H1N1 epidemic has leveled off and they should soon be able to declare the pandemic over. Unlike in September and October the H1N1 has slowed its widespread pace. Most states are still showing transmissions but not like before.

Many officials were concerned that there would be an increase in the spread of the H1N1 over the holiday travel season. In addition to the H1N1 epidemic slowing down they are also showing number of hospitalizations due to H1N1 have leveled off for all the age groups.

Many are attributing the decline in the H1N1 to the some 70 million Americans who were vaccinated against the H1N1. While last fall there was a shortage of H1N1 vaccinations there are now plenty of vaccinations available for people. People are still strongly urged to get their H1N1 vaccination if they have not done so already.

This month there will discussions on whether or not the H1N1 pandemic strain will be included in the 2010-2011 influenza vaccine or in one by itself.

The report of the wrongdoing with the vaccine started when a medical representative of the Flames approached a staff member of the Alberta Health Services to see if a clinic could be set up for the immunizations for the team and families. The request for this special clinic was forwarded on to a senior worker, who then took the request to a supervisor. This supervisor approved this clinic and it was held on October 30 at Father David Bauer Arena.

The day of the clinic was the one day before public clinics were closed temporarily throughout province because of the national shortage of the vaccine. There was no proper documentation with the clinic and no other senior health care staff member was notified of this request, according to the board.

Second Worker Let Go Over Flames H1N1 Scandal

The chief medical officer of health, Dr. Arlene King, has issued an order to doctors to only vaccinate those in the highest priority groups. These include pregnant women, children under five and health care workers. King did state yesterday that the situation does call for a review but she could not determine if there could be any consequences for doctors giving the vaccine to others than the highest risk groups.

It was only a few days ago that the brass from the Calgary Flames organization had their players and family vaccinated ahead of priority groups as well.

There is a limited supply of the vaccine and health officials are trying to make sure that those people who would have the most life threatening reactions to the actual H1N1 virus are vaccinated.

The next groups after the ones already stated to get the vaccine would be senior citizens, school age children over five and then adults. Most of these people are still waiting to get their turn to have the H1N1 vaccine.

Infants under six months old cannot be vaccinated but their parents and siblings are in the high priority groups as well as daycare providers of this age group.

Outrage Following Reports Pro Athletes Getting H1N1 shots

Ken King, president of the NHL club said the players and their families have received their vaccines Friday. He said that the organization had contacted the health services in Alberta and asked a health clinic is available to him.

“They (the players)  followed the direction of our medical staff and our organization.   We sought counsel and guidance on this matter and determined it appropriate given the facts available at the time. We accept full responsibility for our actions and decision,” the club said in a statement Tuesday.

This revelation comes as the Alberta government is increasingly criticized for the way he managed the program of vaccination against influenza H1N1. It was interrupted this weekend.

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach said he had ordered an investigation when his government must deal with a shortage of vaccines.

“I can’t speculate on what happened, but we will have a fuller report very shortly,” Stelmach said Tuesday.

Calgary Flames Get H1N1 Vaccine Ahead of Priority Groups

Emergency personnel and workers in services considered essential for the proper functioning of society (firefighters, police, ambulance and bus drivers) are also encouraged to to get vaccinated first. Those who are most at risk of experiencing complications will be vaccinated later.

Pregnant women and people with a weak immune system are also considered “priority.”

In all provinces,  public health anchorites  must deal with the same problem, the shortage of vaccine doses.

In Quebec, only 400 000 doses will be administered this week. In Ontario, that number climbs to 722 000. The federal government plans to send 3 million doses per week to the provinces.

H1N1 Vaccination Begins Across Canada