Monthly Archives: September 2009

[Pam Bryant] Hello, I’m Pamela Bryant. I’m a mom and a CDC worker, and just like you, I have questions about the new H1N1 flu and the H1N1 flu vaccine. With me today is Dr. Anne Schuchat, a chief scientist at CDC, who will share information with us on some common questions about the new H1N1 virus. Dr. Anne, so you’re a chief scientist and Director for CDC’s Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Center. What’s with the uniform?

[Dr. Anne Schuchat] You know, I wear the uniform because I’m part of the U.S. Public Health Service Commission Corps. It’s a non-military uniformed service. I’m a doctor, but a lot of people think I’m an airplane pilot. But I’m actually just a CDC worker like you. I’ve been here over 20 years.

[Pam Bryant] Okay, so you’ve had a great career at CDC. I understand you’ve been very busy

talking with many different people about H1N1. Tell us, what is H1N1, and how is it affecting people? Read more »

This podcast is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC – safer, healthier people.

Hello. I’m Dr. Joe Bresee with the CDC Influenza Division. I’m here to speak with you today about swine flu.

First, I’ll begin by explaining what swine flu is. Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do occur. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs, but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person, also.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu, as well. In the past, severe illnesses, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure, as well as deaths, have been reported with swine influenza infection in people, as well. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. Read more »