What is the difference between H1N1 and the regular flu?
H1N1 is a form of regular flu. Influenza (the virus that causes the flu) mutates on a regular basis every year, and the H1N1 virus just mutated a bit more than usual. We call a minor mutation in the influenza virus a “drift” and the more major mutation, a “shift.” The H1N1 flu is no more severe than seasonal flu. About 95% of the people who get seasonal flu or H1N1 will develop a fever, in addition to a sore throat, congestion, runny nose, and cough. People can also develop muscle aches, which are a very common symptom of both seasonal flu and H1N1. The biggest difference between H1N1 and the seasonal flu is that we’re seeing a few more people (about one-third of those diagnosed) experiencing gastrointestinal side effects, including vomiting and diarrhea. Why do children appear to be most susceptible to the H1N1 flu? The younger population is more susceptible to the H1N1 virus because their immune systems do not recognize this virus. This virus has been around before, but most people w
