H1N2 Pig Virus

Why in News:

• The UK Health Security Agency reported the UK’s first human case of the H1N2 virus, also known as the pig virus.

Influenza A Virus Characteristics:

• Type: It is a subtype of the influenza A virus, specifically influenza A(H1N2).
• Species Affected: This virus subtype typically circulates in pigs but can cross species barriers.

• Subtypes: The primary subtypes include H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2.
• 2009 Pandemic: The swine flu pandemic in 2009 was caused by a strain with genetic material from pigs, birds, and humans.
• Mutation Capability: The virus can mutate, creating new strains with similar symptoms to the original virus.
• Seasonality: Influenza A infections are most prevalent in winter.
• Spread: The virus is transmitted through droplets from an infected person’s nose or throat, typically by coughing and sneezing.
• Disease Caused: It causes influenza (the flu), a highly contagious respiratory infection.