CSIC virologists warn that human infections with swine flu are ‘not uncommon’

Aitor Nogales, virologist and researcher at the Animal Health Research Center (CISA) of the National Institute of Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC) assures, “ Swine flu viruses that infect humans are not uncommon“, but in many cases Undetected ‘because they have no symptoms’ Or it was not discovered because no biological monitoring work was carried out, but “this is not a strange thing.”

“Generally speaking Infection without symptoms Or it causes the same symptoms as regular flu and doesn’t usually spread from person to person, or it spreads very inefficiently,” he explained in an interview published by the Superior Council for Scientific Research (CSIC).

About this flu Mainly occurs in pigsExperts say this is because, due to their biology, “they are susceptible to infection by different types of influenza viruses, humans, birds, etc.” “So the risk is that they become intermediate hosts and different viruses could overlap with them at the same time, which Conducive to the generation of new variants. “Ultimately, they could also lead to the formation of a new virus with pandemic potential, as happened in 2009,” he added.

Is the vaccine effective against swine viruses?

When asked whether human flu vaccines could protect against swine flu viruses, virologists said: “Must be evaluated

“Because “seasonal human influenza vaccines are reformulated annually, laboratory trials must be conducted to verify their effectiveness against swine viruses. “

“However, it Assuming it provides partial protection. In fact, getting a seasonal flu vaccine is one of the recommendations for people who work with pigs and poultry. This is for two reasons, the first is that it protects them, even partially;The second is to prevent workers from becoming victims Transmission of viruses other than swine viruses to pigswhich could represent a risk of new variants emerging,” he explained.

for protection Swine flu virologist advises pig farm workersIn addition to getting the seasonal flu vaccine, “respect farm biosecurity measures such as disinfection, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand washing, etc.”

“All these measures are extremely important because they protect not only against influenza but also against many other pathogens. They provide protection in both directions: from animals to humans and from humans to animals,” he concluded.