Pennsylvania H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

Swine flu, also known as the H1N1 influenza, is a human disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the virus is spread by person-to-person contact, especially by coughing and sneezing, but not by eating pork products. Most swine flu cases have been mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu, but there have been many deaths associated with the disease, especially among children and other vulnerable populations.

If you or a member of your family has a fever or high temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms, you may have swine flu:

• Unusual tiredness;
• Headache;
• Runny nose;
• Sore throat;
• Shortness of breath or cough;
• Loss of appetite;
• Aching muscles;
• Diarrhea or vomiting.

These symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions. Thus, it is impossible to know, based on your symptoms alone, if you have the H1N1 flu. Only lab tests can definitively answer that question.

Certain groups are at particularly high risk of severe illness or death from the H1N1 flu. Young children, persons with some chronic health disorders, and pregnant women have a higher risk of severe disease. Other at-risk groups include:

• People older than 65;
• People with cardiovascular conditions;
• People with liver problems;
• People with kidney problems;
• People with blood disorders, including sickle cell disease;
• People with neurologic disorders, including motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease;
• People with metabolic disorders, including diabetes;
• People with immune suppression, whether caused by disease or treatment;
• People who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years.

The recent H1N1 outbreak has sickened thousands of people and resulted in dozens of deaths. It is possible that some of these illnesses and related injuries could have been prevented. The negligence of schools, universities, airlines, shopping centers and employers may have contributed to the spread of this illness. For example, a school that failed to separate students with flu symptoms from other students, or that made it hard for students to stay home during an outbreak, may be responsible for illnesses that can be linked to school policies. Health care facilities that do not take steps to prevent the spread of the flu to vulnerable patients may also face legal action.

Similarly, an employer that pressures employees to come to work even when sick with flu-like symptoms may be responsible when other workers or patrons fall ill as a result. Employers may also be liable for mishandling vaccination programs or failing to properly address sick leave policies and disability or antidiscrimination laws.

Other legal issues concern the swine flu vaccine. Many people are afraid that it hasn’t been adequately tested to ensure its safety. In fact, a lawsuit has recently been filed charging that the FDA violated the law in its hasty approval of four vaccines and failed to scientifically determine their safety and efficacy. Adverse health events following immunization have been reported, including a case of Guillain-Barré Syndrome,ararenervedisorder.