In Canada, the first case of a rare variant of the H1N2 influenza virus has been reported in humans. So far, 27 people around the world have contracted the disease. It is not “ordinary flu” and it is not yet known whether the disease is easily spreading to people. Is the H1N2 flu variant related to COVID-19? What is already known about it?
The virus has been detected in a patient showing flu-like symptoms. It was identified in mid-October in the Canadian province of Alberta.
What is the H1N2 flu?
The term H1N2 first brings to mind the ‘swine flu’ that triggered the 2009 pandemic. Experts recall, however, that back then, H1N1 – the strain that causes seasonal flu that is included in the annual flu vaccines.
- Swine flu A / H1N1 – symptoms, vaccine
H1N2 is an influenza A virus (similar to H1N1) that occurs in pigs. When the virus “jumps” from animals to humans, it becomes a “variant”, which in this case is H1N2v. Scientists note that H1N2v is very rare. As of 2005, only 27 cases have been reported worldwide: 24 in the US, two in Brazil, and now one in Canada.
– A confirmed case of H1N2v has been detected in central Alberta. Currently, it appears to be one isolated case and there is currently no increased risk for Alberta residents, health officials in the Canadian province explain.
H1N2v – symptoms when it comes to infection, association with COVID-19
H1N2v symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu: cough, chills, headache.
The H1N2v infected patient recovered quickly, and so far there is no evidence that the virus has spread. However, the source of the virus remains unknown. An investigation is underway to establish them. Officials are also expected to investigate whether the H1N2v transmission actually took place.
Although the origin of this case is not yet known, zoonoses such as H1N2v. they appear after direct or indirect contact of people with infected animals.
- COVID-19 and the flu share many of the same symptoms. How to tell them apart? [WE EXPLAIN]
Like coronaviruses, including COVID-19, influenza viruses can be transmitted by touching infected surfaces or inhaling pathogen-containing aerosols exhaled by an infected animal. However, when it comes to H1N2v, experts believe that it does not transfer easily to humans. It is also impossible to get infected through food – by consuming pork or products containing this meat.
Scientists reassure: H1N2v is not related to COVID-19. It is influenza A. “The current assessment based on the available evidence shows that there is no increased risk to humans and there is currently no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission,” said Canada’s director of public health, Dr. Theresa Tam.
You may be interested in:
- What is a pandemic? The greatest pandemics in history
- Scientists examined the lungs of those who died from COVID-19. As it turned out?
- A sharp decline in flu cases. Scientists surprised: how is this possible and what does it mean?
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.