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.
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.
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