H1N1 virus not mutated, vaccine still works

The newly developed vaccine for swine flu remains a “good match”, since H1N1 virus is not mutating, and thus is genetically stable, a recent finding by public health officials revealed.

The growing concerns about the development of a deadlier virus had lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct experiments on ferrets by injecting them with the H1N1 and the lethal H5N1 avian flu to observe whether they morph to form a deadlier and more resistant form of a mutant virus. The experiment was aimed to find out both the viability and the transmittable nature of the virus.

In early September, several cases had been registered where the H1N1 was resistant to the drug Tamiflu, which has by far been used to cure its symptoms.

WHO chief Margaret Chan has said that even though the virus could be turning resistant to current form of treatment, it still has not evolved into a deadlier specimen.

The virus is just as prevalent all over the world, and growing consistently, especially in the U.S, but the widespread panic no longer exists as most number of cases registered are from mild to moderate in intensity.

The vaccine works
Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the CDC, has said that the virus has shown no genetic changes, which is “really good news”.

Regarding the vaccine which is currently in development, he said "It means that the vaccine that we have coming off the production line shortly is a very good match -- in fact, an excellent match -- with the virus that continues to circulate, which suggests it is likely to be very effective in preventing illness."

Answering questions about concerns that the virus could have mutated to a deadlier form, Chan said in a WHO conference in Hong Kong, "We are not seeing that situation right now."

The WHO had earlier revealed statistics saying that till around Sept. 13, the H1N1 has been responsible for killing around 3,486 people worldwide.

The much awaited vaccine will be available in large quantities by late October, but the nasal spray (Flu Mist) form of it would be introduced in the first week.

Dangers of the vaccine
But Flu Mist is not safe for children below two years of age, heart and kidney patients, diabetics, pregnant women, and lastly, for people above 49 years of age.

Frieden has also said that "there is every reason to believe that this vaccine will be safe," and ten-year-olds and above will need only a single shot.

The priority group consisting of chronically unfit people, pregnant women, and children will need to get vaccinated first.

The precautions against the flu remain the same. Maintain hygiene, stay at home when sick, and cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing. Also, visit a doctor at the first hint of trouble.