With the current H1N1 flu (swine flu) pandemic under way, many public health officials are concerned that critical healthcare resources could be stretched thin as people flood hospital emergency departments and physicians’ offices to determine whether they have the illness.
In response, Microsoft Corp. today announced a new Web site, H1N1 Response Center, which provides users with timely and relevant content and enables consumers to gauge symptoms and receive guidance using an H1N1 self-assessment service.
H1N1 (Swine) flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia, plus avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus. H1N1 (Swine) flu is contagious and was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009.
Could you have H1N1 flu (swine flu)?
Use the Flu Self-Assessment, based on material from Emory University, to:
– Learn whether you have the symptoms of H1N1 flu (swine flu)
– Help you decide what to do next.
This self-assessment is intended for residents of the United States only, but sure, anyone can take the test!
