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Swine Flu Related to 1918 Strain

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 13, 2009 3:36 PM CDT

(Newser) – The H1N1 virus can more easily infect the lungs than the common seasonal flu, a new study finds, making it more likely to cause pneumonia. What’s more, the present virus bears troubling resemblance to the 1918 strain that killed more than 40 million people worldwide. The study also shows that people who survived the 1918 pandemic have an antibody response to H1N1, indicating that their body "remembered" it, MSNBC reports.

The ability of the virus to infect the lungs is another telltale sign that it is linked to the earlier strain. “Our findings are a reminder that swine-origin influenza viruses have not yet garnered a place in history, but may still do so, as the pandemic caused by these viruses has the potential to produce a significant impact on human health and the global economy,” the researchers write.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

A child wears a mask as a precaution against swine flu outside a hospital in Buenos Aires. (AP Photo)

Workers wearing masks stand outside a side entrance to a hotel used to quarantine students in Beijing, China. (AP Photo)

School children wear face masks as they line up to enter a classroom in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo)

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There is a misunderstanding about this virus. There is clear evidence the virus is different than seasonal influenza. - Yoshihiro Kawaoka, University of Wisconsin

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 6 comments

kokuaguy

Jul 14, 2009 9:29 AM CDT

You make some good points here, but it mutates and the flu season it not far off. I'm getting my shot, that's for sure.

lindamae

Jul 14, 2009 3:59 AM CDT

Pandemic - means it is everywhere. In 1918, there were no antibiotics to help with the pneumonia - which killed most of those who had the flu. The last time we gave a vaccine, more people died from the vaccine than did the flu. Dr. Mercola has a great site which provides numbers. We have more people dying every day from known flues than we have had for all of the swine flu victims to date. Follow the money. Who has vaccine to sell? Who had trouble with their vaccine? So, another bail out - with our kids at risk. Where is the press coverage of this fiasco?

TiredMemeCat

Jul 13, 2009 9:34 AM CDT

EVERYBODY PANIC

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public health • infection • pneumonia • outbreak • 1918 pandemic • swine flu • H1N1 virus • lungs

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