jul 30, 2009 - Summary

Description:

In 2009, a new type of flu virus emerged, causing a pandemic. This virus, called H1N1, infected millions of people quickly, requiring action from the CDC and WHO. This is a type A influenza. This type, compared to B and C (both are only in humans, and cannot cause pandemics, with C being much milder than both A and B) can cause a very serious infection, infects both humans and animals, and can constantly change. Because H1N1 is a new strain, existing vaccines against seasonal flus cannot protect against it, causing the CDC to start clinical research to find treatments. Before this research, the CDC released the complete gene sequences of the H1N1 virus to a public influenza database. These genome sequencings are so important because it reveals the different sequences that make up different strains. Being able to share this information allows for researchers in other countries to have access to previously found information, saving time, resources, and money.

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