H1N1 Information
Influenza A has gone by a variety of types and names over the years, the most current so-called “swine” flu being the H1N1 virus…but where does the term H1N1 come from?

Each of the letters stands for an antigen (protein) on the virus itself, which hooks into cells in your body. The H stands for hemagglutinin (of which there are 16 basic shapes) and the N for neuraminidase (which has 9). The virus is identified by these hemagglutinin and neuraminidase combinations. A variant of the 2009 H1N1 itself was first identified around 1918.

For more information about H1N1 and Influenza, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm. The schools within the boundaries of the Norwood Park Fire Protection District can be accessed from our Links section for up-to-date local information regarding schools and the virus.