Recently, news about a new type of swine flu is the hot topic discussed throughout the world. The swine flu virus is thought to have the potential to become a pandemic in the future. Previously, the swine flu had become a pandemic in 2009-2010. Known as H1N1, the virus has claimed the lives of nearly 18,500 people.

Unlike the previous virus, the 'new' swine flu virus was named G4 EA H1N1 or known as G4. The virus found by Chinese researchers is known to be able to infect both pigs and humans. Although no evidence shows that this virus can be transmitted from human to human, but there is still a possibility that it may happen in the future.

Previously, between 2011-2018, researchers from China analysed 30,000 nasal swab samples taken from pigs at slaughterhouses. The results showed that there are 179 types of swine flu viruses, including G4, which were identified in 2016. In addition to finding the virus, researchers also saw the potential for transmission from pigs and humans. Out of 338 workers, 10.4% tested positive for G4 infection. The infection is higher in young workers aged 18-35 years.

Studies show that G4 can infect the culture of human epithelial cells lining the airways in the lungs. In other words, this virus can attack the human respiratory system. Its symptoms are quite the same as other flu, such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, or nausea. According to the results of antibody tests on the workers, it was found that the body's immune system is unable to fight the G4 virus effectively. Due to its potential to become the next pandemic, the development of the G4 virus continues to be monitored by experts.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Google Search Images

Source:

• Medical News Today - Newly identified swine flu could become a human pandemic (2020). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/newly-identified-swine-flu-could-become-a-human-pandemic, 6 July 2020.