H1N1 flu is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the influenza A (H1N1) virus. The symptoms of H1N1 flu are listed in the box below. An antiviral agent administered within 48 hours of the appearance of symptoms can reduce the severity of the illness. Screen Why is it important to administer an antiviral agent to an infected person within 48 hours of the appearance of symptoms? The H1N1 virus is transmitted through a vector host, such as a mosquito. The H1N1 virus is dormant in cells. The H1N1 virus does not mutate. The H1N1 virus replicates quickly.

The H1N1 virus replicates quickly, which is why it is of high importance that an antiviral agent is administrated within the first 48 hours so that the reproduction rate of the virus can be lowered, resulting in an effective treatment against H1N1 flu. In other words, by administrating an antiviral in the first 48 hours, we are helping the body to fight the virus since the antiviral stops the reproduction of it, and we increase the chances of succeeding at it.