Swine (H1N1) Flu Myth and Realities

H1N1 (swine flu) was initially detected in mid April of 2009 in people in the U.S. It was called swine flu because a number of the virus' genes were similar to the virus which is normally found in pigs. As further studies progressed, it showed that it was, after all, very different from those found in pigs in North America. It is called a "quadruple reasserting virus" because it is linked to bird and human genes and its virus' genes are similar to the virus which is found in pigs in Europe and Asia. As of October 11, 2009, the World Health Organization was able to record 4,735 deaths from different countries because of swine flu.

Myths:

1. Some people believe that H1N1 is worse than seasonal flu. It isn't. In the U.S., only one percent from all those infected with the virus die. This is around 300 people. There are thirty six thousand Americans who die annually because of the seasonal flu. Authorities were only worried because H1N1 has a strain which was never seen before.

2. Healthy people need not worry about getting the swine flu. This is wrong. It is just like seasonal flu because it can affect anyone. It only happens that those people with underlying health conditions are more prone to get the virus compared to healthy people.

3. Some people believe that the swine flue vaccine will only give them the flu. This is not possible because the virus found on the flu shot was killed already. Some people mistakes the common fever experienced as the flu itself. Fever experienced after the vaccine is actually the result of the body's immune system fighting off a foreign substance. Also, some people think that the common cold they have is already the flu. What many people aren't aware of is that flu season happens at the same time as cold season.

4. Some people believe that vaccines are harmful. The best way get immunity to the virus is by direct contact. This isn't the right way to get immunity. This is in fact very dangerous. While you believe that you can get immunity when you are in direct contact with the virus itself, you are actually most likely to get the disease yourself rather than being healed.

5. People should stop eating pork since the virus is linked to that of the pigs'. This is absolutely wrong. The spread of the virus is only between humans. It comes from a sick person to a host's mucous membranes such as the eyes, mouth and nose. There have been no proof yet that the virus is passed from a pig to a person.

These are some of the myths being tossed around regarding the swine flu virus. One good way to avoid this is through getting oneself educated. There are agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and hospitals which are active in promoting information about the H1N1. In order to be better informed and protected, it is best that these health authorities are contacted.

Realities:

1. As with any epidemic that affects millions of people all over the world there are bound to be myths and realities associated with the condition and this further creates a fear psychosis. Governments which are already stretched with all their resources have the additional responsibility of trying to control any sort of rumor that could create a panic situation. Death caused by reasons other than the H1N1 virus is also attributed to have been caused by the virus and this raises the calamity figures substantially. It leads to people putting additional pressure on the testing centers as more number of people wants to get tested for symptoms other than those specified for the virus. There are also a number of treatments been touted as the ultimate cure for the flu. Eating a particular herb or yoga and other forms of alternative medicines has all been widely discussed as a possible cure to stop the spread of the virus. There is no scientific proof as to whether these alternative forms of treatments work or not.

2. Fear drives people to try any sort of treatment advocated to fight the flu. A number of pills and medicines claiming to prevent and control the spread of the virus have been advertised and sold over the internet. As far as the guidelines issued by the WHO (World Health Organization) there is only one medicine recognized, tested, tried and proved to be effective against fighting the flu and it is known as Tamiflu. Any other form of treatment is not recommended as there is no concrete research to prove that the alternate forms work. There is also a myth that eating a particular type of food will help you to either avoid the virus or aggravate its spread. Nothing can be further away from the truth.

3. It is recommended that you eat good quality of foods high in vitamins and antioxidants which will help you boast your immune system. Consumption of nuts, fruits and food rich in carbohydrates have been found to improve one's health. A healthy body stands a better chance to fight the virus and this is the reason these food types are suggested but there is hardly any scientific evidence to support any food group preventing you from getting the swine flu. One of the biggest myths that have in a way affected an entire industry is that swine flu is caused by the consumption of ham or pork. Sausage industry which is hugely dependent on ham is badly affected.

4. Pork has earned a bad reputation but there is no scientific evidence to prove that consumption of ham causes swine flu. H1N1 virus is a respiratory disease and spreads from people to people contact and the poor swine has nothing to do with it but still continues to take the blame. The other myth is that one should lock oneself totally from social contact so as to prevent its spread. You can indulge in social activities with adequate precautions and there is no need to put your life on hold till the virus subsides which could take anywhere from six months to a year.

Most Common Swine Flu (H1N1) Myths

The Swine (H1N1) Flu, just like any other virus infection, it too has its own myths. Here are the 10 most common ones. Don't we already have enough to worry about without imagining things? Why worry about things that are not even true. Here are 10 of them.

Myth #1: If I wear a surgical mask, I will be protected from getting the H1N1 swine flu virus.

Fact: While it is possible that wearing a surgical mask may be slightly helpful in preventing the "spread" of the swine H1N1 flu, it definitely will not guarantee you safe passage. However, if you are wearing the mask around others who are infected with the virus, it will help protect you from the germs of their sneezes and coughs. Otherwise, it can't hurt to wear a surgical mask but just do not let yourself be lulled into a false sense of complete protection against the swine Flu virus.

Myth #2: You cannot die from the swine flu virus.

Fact: Nothing is further from the truth. You can die from the swine flu virus. People across the world are dying from it everyday. However, so as not to overly alarm you, it must also be pointed out that most people will "not" die from it. The truth of the matter is that the H1N1 virus can prove fatal in people who have already have a compromised immune system. Some people get very sick from this virus while other only report mild symptoms. Please remember that it is vitally important that you take the anti-viral medication that will help reduce the intensity of your swine flu symptoms. Is also extremely important to remember that you should avoid contact with other people for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides. You do not want to give it to anyone else.

Myth #3: Infection from the swine flu only happens if you have direct contact with a pig.

Fact: While it has been reported by the CDC that in the past, swine flu has been spread between people and pigs, this most likely occurred with pig farmers who were in constant close contact with their pigs. It is much more likely that the current swine flu is spread from human to human because of the liquid droplets and vapors that are expelled into the air from a contaminated person when they sneeze or cough. If you were to come into contact with these droplets, or anything that had these droplets on it, you have a good chance of becoming infected with the virus yourself.

Myth #4: We have never had an outbreak of the swine flu within the United States.

Fact: This is not true. Throughout the years there have been several swine flu outbreaks in the United States. In 1967, five soldiers from Fort Dix, New Jersey were contact in an outbreak of the swine flu. All five of them became infected and one of them died. However, according to the experts, some of the conditions that worsened this swine flu outbreak were brought on by the fact that they were living in a very stressed conditions and very close military quarters. Also, in Wisconsin in 1988, there was a mild outbreak of the swine flu in heath care workers who worked in close proximity with their patients.

Myth #5: The elderly, young adults and the children are all equally at risk.

Fact: Apparently, it has come to light that ones immune system strength may not be a significant factor with the H1N1 virus. But, the jury is still out on this and is not certain. It is believed that, just like the avian flu and the SARS outbreaks, it is more a factor of how your own body reacts to the virus rather than the virus itself. But, it should also be kept in mind that the majority of cases investigated so far in the U.S. have proven to be rather mild. It really is uncertain how the young and healthy people in Mexico were dying. It has been suggested that perhaps the virus had already mutated into a stronger variation. It is also important to know that the antiviral medication TAMIFLU is proving to be a highly effective treatment for the swine flu, provided you see you doctor as soon as possible after getting sick.

Myth #6: Eating pork will increase your chances of getting swine flu.

Fact: The swine flu was named so because of a flu that pigs were getting in the Northern hemisphere. But, there is no correlation between swine flu and eating pork or pork products. However, you must remember that eating any not properly prepared or partially cooked meats will certainly increase your risk of bacterial infections and viruses. No, you do not get swine flu (H1N1) from eating pork of any kind.

Myth #7: The H1N1 virus is much riskier than the 2000-2003 SARS pandemic.

Fact: This is definitely "not" true. This pandemic caused 774 deaths before it was stopped. That's approximately 10% of those infected with the virus! The United States had 10 or fewer deaths while the remainders are believed to be in China.

Myth #8: The seasonal influenza vaccination can help prevent the H1N1 virus infection.

Fact: The CDC has said that the anti-viral medicines and remedies along with the seasonal influenza vaccination can help decrease the "symptoms" of the H1N1 Swine flu, BUT, it is definitely not a preventive measure or cure. Only the H1N1 vaccines can do this job efficiently.

Myth #9: Tamiflu will cure the H1N1 virus.

Fact: This is definitely a bad myth as Tamiflu will help lessen your symptoms once you get the virus, but, it will not cure the flu.. The Tamilflu antiviral medication has been shown to decrease the length of your infection by a few days, but nothing else.

Myth #10: If I get a fever along with the other flu symptoms, that means I have the H1N1 swine flu and I need to get to the hospital or see a doctor.

Fact: If you are a normal healthy person it is actually suggested that you stay home rather than risk infecting others. However, if you are susceptible to asthma attacks, have a weakened immune system, or lung disease, it is suggested that you do seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Coping With Swine Flu - The Natural Way

Swine flu has arrived with a vengeance and governments are becoming worried at the possible scale of this pandemic - not least due to the fact that it could affect fragile economies with so many people having to take time off work.

But what can you do to avoid the worst of it? First and foremost is to recognize the symptoms –

Symptoms:

High fever (usually above 38 ºC).

Congestion

Cough.

Sneezing and sore throat.

Headache.

Aching muscles.

Chills and shivers despite fever.

Exhaustion or extreme fatigue.

Diarrhea or a stomach upset

Swine flu, just like seasonal flu, is highly contagious and, once you have been exposed to it, the symptoms manifest within 48 hours. This is the point at which a person with swine flu is at their most infectious state.

The first line of defense is good hygiene practice. Wash your hands frequently - especially if you've just sneezed. And always use a tissue if you sneeze and put it in a bin as soon as possible - don't use it more than once!

Boosting your immune system will help to reduce the chances of contracting swine flu.

Herbal products such as Echinacea and Goldenseal help to protect against flu type viruses that attack the upper respiratory tract.

Vitamin C provides an environment in which viruses cannot survive and at doses of 2000mg per day can help prevent viruses from invading cells. However, studies show that this works best as a preventative so should be taken regularly before you may have been in contact with swine flu. These same studies show that taking vitamin C at the onset of symptoms has little or no effect.

Zinc is the most important mineral involved in boosting your immune system.

Taking a zinc supplement (preferably a lozenge) at the onset of swine flu symptoms

Can help reduce the severity of the worst of swine flu symptoms by as much as 50%.

There are also a variety of plant-based products that actively fight viral infections. The best known ones are garlic, elderberry, oil of oregano and olive leaf extract. These are all potent anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants that can be used to help fight the virus if you think you have contracted it.

Knowing what you're dealing with, good hygiene practice and a sensible approach to complementary medicine (preferably under the supervision of a professional) can help you to avoid or reduce the symptoms of this infection.

Natural Swine Flu Treatments

A sore throat is one of the initial symptoms of a virus, including swine flu. Accompanying symptoms like fever, chills, aches and pains, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, digestive upsets and malaise may also be present.

Conventional swine flu treatment includes a course of anti-virals like Tamiflu and a period of quarantine to limit the spread of the virus. There is also a lot you can do with natural swine flu treatments to relieve your sore throat, boost your immune system and fight the infection. Here are some of the most popular recommendations for natural swine flu treatments:

Vitamin C

High dose vitamin C can boost your white blood cell activity to help fight flu infections and relieve the pain of a sore throat.

At the onset of symptoms, take 1 gram of vitamin C hourly until you get loose stools. Dosing with vitamin C until you reach 'bowel tolerance' indicates that your tissues are saturated with vitamin C, and any excess is spilling over into the urine and stools. At this stage your immune system will be working optimally.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful anti-viral food recommended as a natural swine flu treatment. You can eat it raw or grate it into teas, soups, stir fries or juices. Aim to consume at least 1 clove a day.

Anti-viral herbs

Anti-viral herbs can build protection and natural immunity to all types of flu. Olive leaf extract, astragalus and echinacea (which are particularly good for children) are good choices. These herbs can be taken as a tea or in liquid, capsule or tablet form.

Hydrogen peroxide

Inactivating pathogens with hydrogen peroxide has been used worldwide since the flu pandemic of 1918. For a sore throat it is good to use hydrogen peroxide mixed in warm water as a gargle. It can also be taken internally under your health professional's guidance.

Flu-buster tea

This always works to relieve a sore throat for the normal flu so it is a good bet that it will help as a natural swine flu treatment. Simply brew a teaspoon of grated ginger, a teaspoon of grated garlic and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a cup of hot, boiled water. Add the juice of half a lemon (and a teaspoon of honey if desired to sweeten). Sip slowly. Drink at least three times a day or as needed.

Chicken soup

Chicken soup is high in the amino acid cysteine which can thin mucous and help eliminate it from the body. Add some ginger, garlic, turmeric and cayenne to increase its healing properties.

NAC

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an amino acid that has been shown to raise immunity to the flu in clinical trials. It is available as a capsule and should be taken at 600 mg twice daily.

Steam inhalation

Aromatherapy oils like tea tree, eucalyptus and thyme are excellent natural swine flu treatments to relieve a sore throat and congestion. Simply add a few drops of your chosen oil to a bowel of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and breathe the steam in deeply for a few minutes.

For those who follow a healthy lifestyle and use these natural swine flu treatments, the swine flu may have little or no effect on the body.

What is Swine Flu - H1N1 Virus?

Swine flu, now called H1N1 influenza A, is a type of flu virus. It is a new strain of flu that has just recently been affecting people. It is not caught from pigs or by eating pork. It is a human influenza virus and is being spread by people. It is thought to be a combination of three different flu viruses - swine flu, bird flu and human flu. The new strain is extremely contagious and is quickly spreading across the globe.

H1N1 is different from other strains of influenza. This particular strain of influenza has not been previously exposed to humans before so there are no built up immunities to it. This is what makes it so serious. At the current time there is no preventative drug that you can take in order to avoid getting it. That is why people who are elderly, very young or those who have compromised immune systems must be extremely careful to avoid getting the flu.

Just how dangerous it will be remains to be seen. We are just beginning to see the start of the cases in the United States. It is thought to have originated in Mexico but has since spread globally. The worst cases of it seem to be in Mexico, likely because many people were unaware of the dangers of the flu and did not seek immediate medical treatment.

It was renamed H1N1 influenza A to avoid people making a connection to pigs. This is similar in some ways to the flu that hit the world decades ago. However it is proving to be more serious. The outbreak is becoming serious because nobody has any immunity to this particular strain of influenza. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 4 people who come into contact with swine flu with contract it.

The swine flu has similar symptoms to standard seasonal flu bugs. Swine flu is characterized by a high fever at first and extreme fatigue along with muscle aches. There are also typical cold symptoms that accompany the swine flu including a cough and a sore throat and stuffy nose. Some people additionally have reported nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. The severity of the symptoms is what leads most doctors to consider a diagnosis of swine flu.

Anyone who has the symptoms should seek medical attention right away. Those who get immediate treatment are most likely going to make a full recovery. Doctors take a nose and throat swab sample to send to the lab for testing. The results will be returned within several days. The treatment is a drug called Tamiflu. The doctor will prescribe Tamiflu if it is needed. Most people will get over the swine flu within just a few days. Once you have had swine flu your body will have immunity from this particular strain in the future.

A-H1N1 Swine Flu Likely Originated in US Lab

When the first reported cases of A/H1N1 swine flu emerged in April 2009, it was widely believed that the novel influenza strain originated in Mexico. By late June, when evidence failed to materialize confirming a Mexican origin, a new theory hypothesized that A/H1N1 originated in Asia and was transported unintentionally via an unsuspecting human carrier to North America. This though, probably is not the case. Instead it is likely, though not confirmed, that A/H1N1, is a genetically engineered creation that originated in the United States, specifically in a lab in Madison, Wisconsin that had accidentally escaped through some kind of contamination.

The evidence for this scenario is compelling:

1. Prior to the A/H1N1 outbreak, The Institute for Molecular Virology (IMV) located in Bock Labs (administered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison) had been involved in a transmission capability study for vaccine production. This study involved reverse genetic engineering of a tissue specimen that had been extracted from a deceased Intuit woman who had succumbed to Spanish influenza that had killed up to 50 million people during the 1918-19 pandemic.

2. The current A/H1N1 version is a "highly unusual virus" never seen before that combines genetic material from North American human, avian, and swine flus and Eurasian swine flu.[1] Such a combination is unprecedented having never been found in pigs, birds, or people per The Associated Press, and likely improbable to have emerged naturally. When the fact that no close relatives of the current strain exist and IMV's mission - to conduct virology research and training at a molecular level - is taken into account, creation through artificial genetic engineering offers the best explanation.

3. Retired Australian researcher Adrian Gibbs, who played a leading role in the development of Tamiflu®, a highly-effective anti-flu drug, theorized on May 12, 2009 that the new strain of A/H1N1 likely escaped from a laboratory setting because it exhibited characteristics "of having undergone 'accelerated evolution' such as what happens when flu viruses try to adapt to growth in eggs" during vaccine studies. Although The World Health Organization (WHO) swiftly ruled out Mr. Gibbs' theory a day later, it is implausible that sufficient research to ascertain a conclusion could be completed in only 24 hours.

4. When A/H1N1's existence had been firmly established in the United States by May 10, 2009, Wisconsin and Illinois had nearly a third of the country's cases. Since then Wisconsin has consistently led the nation despite its population of 5,627,967 based on July 2008 estimates versus the larger states - California, Texas, New York, Illinois and even Michigan with July 2008 populations of 36,755,666, 24,326,974, 19,490,297, 12,901,563 and 10,003,422, respectively. By June 12, 2009 when dispersion had set in, Wisconsin and Illinois still accounted for more than a quarter of U.S. cases. Demographically speaking this disproportionate caseload makes little sense. However, when Madison, WI is viewed as the point of origin, the two-State caseload provides incontrovertible evidence of the virus' inception. When A/H1N1 likely escaped from IMV, it immediately impacted the city's environs and nearby locales including Illinois (since a sizeable number of Wisconsinites commute to that state each day) before spreading to Mexico (likely transmitted by a U.S. national since Granja Carroll hog farms located in La Gloria where the first case of A/H1N1 is believed to have occurred, is a subsidiary of American-based Smithfield Foods), other parts of the United States and ultimately much of the rest of the world.

Centers For Disease Control (CDC) Bulletins:

5/10/2009: Wisconsin: 357 Cases (14.1% of the national caseload); Illinois: 466 Cases (18.4% of the national caseload)

6/12/2009: Wisconsin: 3008 Cases (16.8% of the national caseload); Illinois: 1983 Cases (11.1% of the national caseload)

5. To date the A/H1N1 2009 pandemic version of swine flu has not been found to be endemic in global pig stocks discounting natural mutation and initial pig to human transmission theories. Furthermore, none of the pig stocks in Wisconsin have tested positive for the novel A/H1N1 strain that currently afflicts the world.

6. Statements and actions point to prior knowledge. As early as April 25, 2009 when the new A/H1N1 strain was officially detected in only 3 states (11 cases), a top CDC official, Dr. Anne Schuchat stated, "We do not think we can contain the spread of this virus." By April 28, 2009 Vice President Joseph Biden ruled out quarantining Mexico citing limited benefits since "the swine flu virus [had] already penetrated many states" (64 cases in 5 states). An immediate quarantine when news of the A/H1N1 outbreak in Mexico surfaced on April 23, 2009 likely was not implemented because the CDC and top U.S. government officials had already been alerted about the accidental escape from IMV and consequent unconfirmed and unreported infections. A quarantine made little sense since cases were rapidly evolving in the United States and because such a step would likely have drawn suspicion when such cases were subsequently confirmed and reported.

7. Samples of the new A/H1N1 virus were already present at the CDC prior to receipt of Mexican specimens. Per CDC virologist Ruben Donis in an interview conducted by Science Direct (published April 29, 2009) - the CDC had completed sequencing of the novel A/H1N1 strain two weeks earlier or by April 15, 2009 - three days before Mexican officials shipped swab samples to its Atlanta headquarters for testing.

Based on the compelling facts above, conclusive evidence exists that the outbreak of A/H1N1 swine flu that has led to the WHO's first pandemic declaration in 41 years, was created synthetically and likely can be traced back to IMV's lab in Madison, WI. As a result, the moderate risk based on A/H1N1's characteristics and potential threat especially to a generation that has never endured a pandemic and those with pre-existing medical conditions (asthma and other respiratory disorders, diabetes, heart problems, immune deficiency disorders, and pregnancy, to name a few) whose immune systems are ill-prepared or equipped to recognize and combat the novel strain, respectively, must be taken seriously. At the writing of this article, this is not being done (e.g. The New York City Department of Health stated on its website as late as June 25, 2009 - "Most cases of influenza-like illness do not need to be tested for H1N1" even though seasonal influenza has disappeared for the summer, failure to isolate suspected emergency room cases facilitating contagion, etc.). Continued failure to do so may result in between 1 million (based on a .25% mortality rate on existing WHO estimates that up to a third of the world's population may be infected) to 25 million or more deaths since people will be treated much further into the illness (after serious complications have developed) and/or if the virus mutates into a more lethal form resulting in a 1+% mortality rate that is already being exhibited in Argentina, a country that has just entered the winter season.

What Organism Causes the Swine Flu

Swine flu is a derivative and like other derivatives has a genealogy. Often, the crux of finding a successful vaccine hinges on proper understanding of the attributes of the derivative. It follows then that to find out which organism causes swine flu it is necessary to study its genealogy.

Of course the flu was at one point restricted to pigs only, but even then had similarities with the common cold virus, gastroenteritis virus and the regular flu virus. Obviously, something happened to the virus, mutation or whatever else because it transgressed. And it understands the why and how of this transgression which is the key to understanding what organism causes swine flu in humans.

Physiologically we are similar to pigs and can share some traits. The primary difference however, is the virus would have to modify to transgress as in it's pig form it wouldn't be able to get past first base; the human immune system. And out of interest, there have been cases of previously human only diseases to transgress to pigs and other animals - it seems then this can work both ways!

Many of us can remember a few short years ago, there was an outbreak of avian flu which transgressed to humans. After many tests and research projects a reliable vaccine was eventually found. And no doubt a reliable vaccine will be found for swine flu virus too, since after all, it is not entirely new, it's merely a new strain of an old virus.

Swine Flu Origin

There are various theories regarding the origin of swine flu and the swine flu debate is at the moment an unstoppable train. Hardly surprising as in recent months it has dominated the headlines.

Herein lies another problem as is often the case when a subject matter dominates both on and offline news is the core debate oft goes off track and worse, unqualified additions and omissions find or otherwise their way into the debate.

We then get to a point whereby unreliable sources are quoted and sometimes the most important sources are left out entirely.

Part of the problem of determining the flu origin appears to be the way it spreads, moreover, the rapidity of the spread. The virus can easily cross continents very quickly which makes it more difficult to contain too.

We know one thing for certain; the pig flu virus first appeared in pigs, and at first it was restricted to pigs and wasn't contagious to humans. For decades outbreaks of swine flu then was restricted to herds of pigs until suddenly, pig drovers, pig farmers and other agricultural workers who had close contact with swine were becoming ill with flu like symptoms.

The virus which had invaded the bodies of swine related workers, subsequently attacked the host's immune system and after extensive scientific testing was attributed to the pigs - hence the swine flu virus had morphed and was capable of being transmitted to humans.

It was only a matter of time before the population at large would be infected - and this is where we are today!

Scientific researchers are still working round the clock to determine the source and origin of swine flu virus, it is however very much a work in progress.

Meanwhile, we won't be speculating origins here, don't want to fuel the scaremongering fire do we?