UPSC Prelims 2015 Q92: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference
to which one of the following diseases?
- (a) AIDS
- (b) Bird flu
- (c) Dengue
- (d) Swine flu
Answer: (d) Swine flu
Explanation
H1N1 virus
H1N1 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus that causes swine flu.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pandemic | 2009, declared by the WHO |
| Origin | A new mix of swine, bird and human flu viruses |
| Spread | Through droplets from coughs and sneezes, person to person |
| Treatment | Antiviral oseltamivir (Tamiflu); vaccine available |
What H and N mean:
| Letter | Protein on the virus surface |
|---|---|
| H | Haemagglutinin |
| N | Neuraminidase |
The other diseases:
| Disease | Cause |
|---|---|
| AIDS | HIV, a retrovirus |
| Bird flu | H5N1 and other avian strains |
| Dengue | Dengue virus spread by the Aedes mosquito |
Answer: (d) Swine flu.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. AIDS is caused by HIV, not by an influenza virus.
- (b) Incorrect. Bird flu is linked to H5N1, not H1N1.
- (c) Incorrect. Dengue is spread by the Aedes mosquito and has its own virus.
- (d) CORRECT. The H1N1 virus causes swine flu.
Key point
H1N1 = swine flu (Influenza A; 2009 pandemic). H5N1 = bird flu. H and N are surface proteins haemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
Remember
H1N1 = swine flu; H5N1 = bird flu.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up H1N1 (swine flu) and H5N1 (bird flu).
- Thinking swine flu spreads by eating pork; it spreads through the air.
- Not knowing what H and N stand for.
Exam tip
1 for swine, 5 for bird: H1N1 and H5N1.
Sources
- World Health Organization — Influenza (seasonal and pandemic H1N1)
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare — Guidelines on Seasonal Influenza A (H1N1)