Swine Flu to become a seasonal drug
Straight from horse's mouth - it comes as a word of caution from World Health Organization (WHO) that the swine flu vaccine should be included in this year's lot of seasonal flu vaccines.
It is almost certain that it will get the nod from all the clearance authorities as this is an important part of the drill to eliminate the pandemic from its root. The FDA will issue a final ruling in time for vaccine manufacturers to gear up production. Seasonal flu vaccines are composed of three components, and the 2010-2011 vaccine is no variation. The three varieties of flu circulate amongst humans: H1N1 and H3N2 type A viruses, and type B viruses.
At this time, the dominant H1N1 strain is definitely the 2009 H1N1 swine flu bug. The dominant H3N2 virus is the so-called Perth strain of the virus, and the dominant B virus is the so-called Brisbane strain.
"Even if the old seasonal H1N1 viruses persist, they will not pose a major health risk to people," said WHO flu expert Keiji Fukuda, MD. "The H3N2 and B viruses were persistent through the year, and in some countries we've seen an increase in their activity."
Fukuda said that it is no hint that H1N1 pandemic is over. Instead, he recommended, the world to be extra cautious as it might strike back and when it does it shall be devastating event.