Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffInfluenza viruses infect the cells lining your nose, throat and lungs. The virus enters your body when you inhale contaminated droplets or transfer live virus from a contaminated surface to your eyes, nose or mouth on your hand.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Swine influenza A (H1N1) infection in two children — Southern California, March-April 2009. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2009;58:400. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5815a5.htm. Accessed Aug. 18, 2010.
- World Health Organization. World now at the start of 2009 influenza pandemic. Statement to the press by WHO Director-General Margaret Chan. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_pandemic_phase6_20090611/en/index.html. Accessed Aug. 18, 2010.
- World Health Organization. H1N1 in post-pandemic period. Director-General's opening statement at virtual press conference. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2010/h1n1_vpc_20100810/en/index.html. Accessed Aug. 19, 2010.
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- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Background information on influenza in pigs. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/. Accessed Aug. 19, 2010.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key facts about influenza (flu) and flu vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm. Accessed Aug. 18, 2010.
- Weber TP, et al. Inactivation of influenza A viruses in the environment and modes of transmission: A critical review. Journal of Infection. 2008;51:361.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WJT-4TMRJXX-2&_user=130561&_coverDate=11%2F30%2F2008&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000010878&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=130561&md5=0b189b39929f3ee6cdc2ca1371fd1e0c. Accessed Aug. 19, 2010.
- Bean B, et al. Survival of influenza viruses on environmental surfaces. Journal of Infectious Diseases. 1982;146:47.

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