Wolverine Flu? H1N1 Flu Disrupts X-Men Premier in Mexico City
Richard W. Westreich MD, FACSMay 06, 2009
Twentieth Century Fox on Monday postponed Thursday's
opening of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" because most of the movie theaters were closed, according to Variety. Although indications are that swine flu infections in Mexico are slowing, no new date was set for the movie’s premier, Swine flu is actually a mix of pig, human and bird flu elements. It is scientifically categorized as an A type (H1N1) virus, based on the specific genetic makeup given the uncertainty of the public health crisis that remains.
So I ask, “Has the world gone mad over swine flu?”
What is Swine flu?
Swine flu is actually a mix of pig, human and bird flu elements. It is scientifically categorized as an A type (H1N1) virus, based on the specific genetic makeup of this particular strain. Each year, flu strains change their genetic components. Scientists’ predictions, about which strains are most likely to emerge, result in the flu vaccine that is offered to people yearly. Swine flu is, therefore, just another known variant of the known influenza virus. It just happens to be one that is rarely seen.
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the regular flu that we have all grown to know and hate. These include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Typical secondary issues arising from an upper respiratory viral infection, such as the flu, include sinusitis, bronchitis, or otitis (ear infections). Early intervention with over the counter salt-water nasal washing systems may help to prevent secondary bacterial sinus problems. Discolored nasal discharge, hearing loss or ear pain, and heavy coughing that does not steadily improve should prompt you to be evaluated by your physician.
Is Swine Flu a New Flu?
Swine flu has been reported in humans previously, but has usually been the result of pig to human transmission. In addition to the current outbreak, swine flu has also gained the ability to go from human to human in 1957 and 1976.
In 1976, an outbreak of swine flu in Fort Dix, NJ occurred. Over the course of the epidemic, it caused 1 death, 13 hospitalizations and 230 total cases. The virus essentially burned itself out, according to a report by Lessler et al.
Why all the fear?
The fact that seemingly healthy people have died from this virus raises our level of concern and causes us to remember influenza pandemics of the past. People are also concerned because it is a rare type of influenza, which, to most of us, is considered new.
We all cringe at the reports of deaths from the 1918 flu pandemic. An estimated one third of the world's population (about 500 million people) was infected during the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic. Estimates of death rates ranged from 50-100 million people, and many healthy young adults died. Many of those deaths could have likely been prevented today with basic medical treatment or antiviral medication.
So where are we today?
The WHO has certified 822 infections in Mexico and 403 in the United States, and authorities have said they suspect another 700 "probable" cases. The official death toll in Mexico is 29 and in the United States it is 2. The virus is spreading from North America into Europe, involving over 22 countries. Happily, recent indications are that the death rates in the US are not nearly as high as reported in Mexico.
Besides the fear of uncertainty and the remembrances of the 1918 pandemic, there is, however, no indication at this time that this particular virus will result in a major public health crisis. There is no data to indicate that death rates are significantly higher than those of seasonal flu. This is also not the first or the last time that we will likely encounter swine flu. In the last century there have been at least 3 flu pandemics and many variations of the flu, including swine and avian.
So, I am still living my life, riding the subway, sending my children to school, and treating my patients without wearing a mask myself. My suggestion to you is to go to the movies, but only if it is a good one. Go out to dinner, but only if it is a prix-fix. Go to the mall, but only for pre-summer sales. Go on vacation, but only if it’s a fun one. But listen to the news and pay attention in case anything changes. Who knows, maybe next week we’ll have a new wolf flu.
Go Wolverine!
Dr Westreich specializes in Facial Plastic Surgery and Rhinology (ENT). He is the Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at SUNY Downstate. He practices in New York City.
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