Seasonal Flu vs. H1N1

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - They are both influenza A, but seasonal flu and H1N1 are different strains. H1N1North American/Human flu hasn't been seen before in the health community, and that's why the current outbreak is alarming.

"The seasonal flu, by definition, is a virus that's been around before, so you have an ongoing immunity in the community that prevents widespread transmission. With H1N1 you don't," Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Deborah McMahan said.

Because H1N1 is a new virus, there isn't immunity to it to help stop it from spreading.

"Once it comes into a community, because there's no immunity blocking transmission to others, you could be widespread. That's why we have concern," McMahan said.

Every year, the seasonal flu kills around 36,000 to 40,000 Americans and hospitilizes around 200,000. Four people in Allen County died in 2008. Right now there are around 100 cases of H1N1 in 11 states in the United States and one person has died.

"We haven't had enough cases in the U.S. to learn the characteristics of this H1N1 flu. We don't know the at risk populations or the mortality rate," McMahan said.

Until those are known, McMahan added, health officials are taking precautions to keep the H1N1 from spreading by putting the public on alert.

"It's a time to take care of yourself by eating properly and getting enough sleep," McMahan said.

But, don't panic yet. There are three requirements for a pandemic. A virus has to be a new virus. It has to infect humans and it has to spread easily amoung people.

So far, the H1N1 virus fits the first two criteria, but the World Health Organization said it doesn't meet the third.

Some good news is that the virus does respond to typical flu medication, like Tamiflu. But, it has to be taken within the first 48 hours of developing symptoms.

H1N1 flu symptoms are:

* Fever
* Aches
* Chills
* Cough
* Runny Nose
* Fatigue
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea

But, McMahan said everyone with some symptoms shouldn't be tested for H1N1.

"Unless someone's been in a high risk area, around a confirmed case or hospitalized with flu symptoms, the CDC is recommending not testing them [to conserve the testing supply]," McMahan said.

Right now only one case has been confirmed in Indiana: a student at Notre Dame.

"[Flu viruses] are transmitted so easily. There's no reason to think someone wouldn't get it here. If it really becomes widespread, I don't think we'd be spared," McMahan said.

So far, many people in Fort Wayne aren't worried yet.

"We want to be careful, but I think if people just cover coughs and have good personal hygienene we can take care of more than swine flu," Tony Rogers said.

Molly White agrees.

"I'm pregnant so it's a little more worrisome, but I'm not terrified. I'm not going to hibernatete in my house," White said.

Several people weighed in on Twitter too. They told Alyssa:

Gerald said, "Tried to buy a facemask, but no such luck!"

afoster213 said, "I'm not that worried about it yet. It is still SO small in comparison to all of the other types of flu. Just seems way over hyped."

Roger said, "I'm not worried. I think it's getting way overblown."

Jim said, "Not worried but concerned given travel patterns these days. Was at ND last week! Being more aware of washing hands and the like."

It may sound like a broken record, but health officials are still asking people to take extra steps to stop the spread of H1N1.

People should cover their mouth when they cough of sneeze, stay home from school or work if they feel sick and wash their hands with soap often.