One year after swine flu was declared a pandemic, the World Health Organization reported that it caused at least 18,156 deaths. In April 2009 the WHO’s director, Margaret Chan, declared a public health emergency of international concern when the first 2 cases were reported in the United States. After a few more days they were followed by hundreds of similar situations in Mexico.

Gregory Haertl, a spokesman of the UN health agency, stated that the virus is now less active. However, the population should remain vigilant, especially pregnant women and children. The new H1N1 vaccine created more controversy regarding whether vaccinations in children may cause autism.

From one side come guarantees that vaccination is safe. From the other alerts and advices for the parents. It looks like 30% of adults are not confident the vaccine is safe and twenty two percent consider it is very safe. On the other hand the FDA warned again people who are interested to treat or prevent H1N1 influenza should be very careful with the products offered online as many of them are not legitimate.

Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza include cough, fever, body aches, fatigue, chills, and runny nose. People which experience these symptoms need to consult with a doctor. The best treatment is prevention with frequent hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and staying at home when sick.

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