Researchers are not expecting a more lethal version of the H1N1 virus to arise any time soon: a recent study shows that the swine flu virus grows faster than the seasonal flu viruses, which makes the two much less likely to combine. At this point in time, the research team has found no evidence of recombination, which should ease fears of a more deadly H1N1.

In the most recent study, virologist Daniel Perez and his colleagues used ferrets to grow the swine flu virus. Ferrets are used by scientists as the best animal model for flu disease, because of the similarities between the human and ferret respiratory systems. Ferrets were infected with both the “pandemic” strain of H1N1 virus and either seasonal H1N1 or seasonal H3N2. The animals did get sick from both viral strains, but only the H1N1 pandemic strain virus went on to infect other ferrets brought into contact with sickened ferrets.

Perez said, “The pandemic virus is more infectious simply because it is new, so hosts haven’t had a chance to build immunity.” This is the reason that the pandemic strain of H1N1 was passed from sickened ferrets, while the seasonal viruses were not.

There remains a concern for patients with underlying medical conditions. The H1N1 pandemic strain appears to grow deeper into the victim’s lungs. This can cause viral pneumonia, and is a real issue for anyone with breathing challenges such as asthma or allergies. It also appears that the swine flu can hit the intestines; reports indicate that there is a higher chance of diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues than with seasonal flu.

Researchers emphasized the need for vaccination, due to the more infectious nature of the pandemic virus. However, allergic patients are advised to discuss this with their doctor, as most flu vaccines are grown in eggs. If a serious egg allergy is an issue, the vaccine may not be appropriate.

The swine flu vaccine is in testing now.

Source: Los Angeles Times