Next Steps

The results of ongoing investigations will answer several key questions. Specifically, it will be important to know what proportion of people become severely ill, what puts people at risk for severe illness, and how effective the new vaccine will be. It will also be important to monitor the virus to see if it mutates to become more (or less) dangerous. So far, the virus has not changed much since it first appeared.

Outlook

The 2009 influenza pandemic has caused significant economic, social, and health problems. Although the number of deaths is not high for an influenza virus, it is concerning that death rates in pregnant women and otherwise health young people are disproportionately high. Simple infection-control measures (covering coughs, washing hands) will help reduce the risk of infection. Vaccination is an effective method of controlling the disease and should be given whenever indicated and available.

Picture

Transmission electron micrograph of the swine influenza virus (novel H1N1). Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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