H1N1 Swine Flu Mutations Reported in 7 Countries Including the U.S

That is right, the pandemic-causing H1N1 strain has mutated yet again. However, the W.H.O. (World Health Organization) says that it is nothing to be concerned about. They report that infections were seen in very few people. However, I think that there is something to be concerned about.

The W.H.O. also says that people with normal uncompromised immune systems, will not allow the spread of the mutated virus as easily. Dr. Keiji Fukuda, chief flu adviser of the W.H.O.'s director general, said that the change in the virus did however cause resistance to the medicine used to fight it, Tamiflu. Reassuringly, Dr. Fukuda stated, "We don't know the full answer, but it is more likely that we are not seeing a major shift."

Dr. Fukuda also said that flu's mutate so fast, that it is difficult to keep up with how widespread they are, and their severity. He also stated that W.H.O. scientists are unsure of the threat posed by another mutation that would allow the virus to reach the lungs easier. This mutation has been discovered in various countries including; Ukraine, Norway, China, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States, in diverse stages of severity. This is why I think we should be concerned. The swine flu strain began as a mutation of the seasonal flu, this mutation led to what is now the modern day pandemic. I believe that scientists should be investigating these mutations more seriously.

The earliest detection of the mutation is from April 2009. Many of the cases that were found in the above countries were fatal; however, many were also mild, therefore, it is correct to say that the mutations are similar to most other mutations in that all cases vary in severity, just like the original H1N1 swine flu, which also is a mutation of influenza. Flu travels inter-species very easily, and can mutate to be very resistant to anything we throw at it, whether it is vaccines or antivirals.

A recent W.H.O. briefing stated, "Although further investigation is under way, no evidence currently suggests that these mutations are leading to an unusual increase in the number of H1N1 infections or a greater number of severe or fatal cases" (Public). I do not believe that the mutations will lead to more cases initially, but could over time. Like I said, the virus becomes more and more resistant to medicines with each mutation and they should be watched very closely.

Over 100 Million H1N1 swine flu vaccines have been injected across the globe. Six of which shots caused anaphylaxis in patients. Anaphylaxis shock is an allergic reaction that causes a range of symptoms from hives to airway swelling. However, all six patients recovered. With a vaccine created in such haste as this one, many believed that it could pose significant risk to those who take it. This is however not the case with the few allergic reactions that have occurred, and were expected.

"Public health significance of virus mutation detected in Norway." World Health Organization W.H.O., 20 Nov. 2009. 28 Nov. 2009. .