So far, it's behaving as we would predict.
But then flu, of course, is unpredictable. And that's why people are concerned.
What really concerns people is, "What potential does this virus have?"
It is what's referred to as an "H1N1 virus," that's a subtype of Influenza A virus.
That is a subtype that circulates in the human population and causes seasonal flu.
However, we have an H1N1 that's been maintained in pigs, for a long period of time, presumably.
Therefore, it's developed some differences from the H1N1 that typically circulates in humans.
As a result, our immunity is likely to be less, and we're more susceptible to infection.
At the moment, you've got a situation in Mexico where a large number of people have been infected,
and there have been some deaths.
The virus has spread to other countries, including the U.S.,
where the disease has not been as severe as the disease in Mexico.
So people are saying, "Has the virus lost its virulence? Is it a different virus?
What is happening?"
Well, at this stage, we can't predict. There's always the potential that it has lost its virulence...
...and of course the potential that it could change some more and develop increased virulence.
The fact is, it is spreading, and spreading fairly readily from person to person.
So, if there is a change in virulence, then there's a potential for a big problem.
Research is focusing on the degree of protection that our available vaccines confer,
and how the protection could be increased by modifying vaccination strategies.
Even though the virus is spread through respiratory secretions,
it's usually contracted when I sneeze, I grab a door, turn the door knob,
you come in behind me, you grab that knob, and then you scratch your eye.
And you're infected.
With so many people at the University,
it's a challenge to keep these things clean.
Certainly my colleagues now, in the Dept. of Health, both here locally at the Knox County Dept,
the regional office, the TN Dept of Health, are very concerned.
And want as much as anything else for everyone to be aware,
and to be knowledgeable about what's going on; to get the facts.
And to do things that can help limit spread.
I think that hand sanitizer ought to be available at every front desk,
in a department or in a program area.
Ideally, it ought to be available at every faculty person's desk.
Another very important way to prevent spread is to stay home if you're sick.
If you have a mild illness, whether you think it might be influenza or not,
if you're sick, stay at home.
I don't think we need to have a bunker mentality about what we're facing.
But, I wouldn't want to undersell or underestimate or undervalue the risk that's at hand.