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.