# 3534
The headline on this AP report is a little misleading, in that there has been some genetic variation of the novel H1N1 virus around the world.
Just nothing that scientists believe to be particularly ominous.
There are reports of at least 4 or 5 isolates with the H274Y (Tamiflu resistance) mutation, for example. While worrisome, this mutation doesn’t appear to be widespread.
And there have been other (apparently minor) variations as well.
But we don’t fully understand what changes are involved in increasing the transmissibility and virulence of the virus.
By and large, the virus does appear to be remarkably stable. Which is good news, particularly in regards to vaccine manufacturing. How long that will last is, of course, anyone’s guess.
This from the AP.
CDC: No sign yet swine flu is mutating
Despite quick spread of virus, no indication of genetic variation yet
WASHINGTON - Federal health officials say the new swine flu isn't yet mutating to become more dangerous, but they're closely tracking that as the virus continues to circle the globe.
Dr. Nancy Cox of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls it "quite surprising" that more genetic variation hasn't emerged given the virus' quick spread — sickening more than an estimated million people in the U.S. alone since April.
People under 25 get sick most often, although most of the 262 deaths recorded in the U.S. so far have been in 25- to 49-year-olds. People older than 65 have far lower risk of getting sick — perhaps because of years of exposure to viruses in the same influenza family.
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