What is Antigenic Shift? And how does this relate to the A(H1N1) virus?

To give a brief background first, the A(H1N1) virus or what we commonly call Swine Flu today is relatively a mild virus. Compared to other pandemics we had before, this is not so deadly. That is why some people say that this pandemic is over-hyped because of the large media attention it gets. What most people do not know is that this virus can undergo Antigenic Shift.

In layman’s terms, when a virus undergoes antigenic shift, it mutates into a more deadly and potent virus. That is where the danger lies. According to some studies, this was how some of the earlier pandemics such as the Spanish Flu(a virus strain of subtype H1N1) brought its deadly toll.

Here is a very good illustration on how antigenic shift works (care of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases):

That is why we cannot downplay the need to be vigilant in helping to prevent the spread of this virus. It may not be deadly today but what about tomorrow? So let us all not put our guards down but keep our heads up.

Make sure to check out the site for more related information about A(H1N1) – Antigenic Shift .

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