H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

Think you know all there is to know about the Swine Flu?  We’ve compiled a list of 10 common myths that have flooded the internet since the Swine Flu has become a part of our daily lives:

1. MYTH: You can catch H1N1 flu from eating pork.  FACT: Absolutely false.  There is no way to contract H1N1 flu from eating bacon, pork chops or other food containing pork.
2. MYTH: You can get flu from drinking water or swimming pools.  FACT: Chlorinated tap water and swimming pool water does not put you at risk for flu.  To date, there has not been any incidence of anyone who has acquired flu from drinking water or from a swimming pool.
3. MYTH: This new vaccine is not safe and is untested.  FACT: Clinical trials conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the vaccine manufacturers have shown that the new H1N1 vaccine is both safe and effective.  The FDA has licensed it.  There have been no safety shortcuts.
4. MYTH: It costs too much money to get an H1N1 vaccine.  FACT: The federal government has purchased the H1N1 vaccine and is providing it to the states free of charge.  This is different in many places from the seasonal flu vaccine.
5. MYTH: Taking precautions is a waste of time. You’ll get the flu anyway. FACT: According to the CDC, precautions such as washing hands, covering cough/sneezes, avoiding sick people, and staying home if ill, help to prevent the flu and to stop it from spreading. Remain vigilant and follow these precautions. If an ill or well person isn’t following these precautions, say something.
6. MYTH: Everybody who has the flu needs to see a doctor.  FACT: People who are in a high-risk group or who are experiencing severe symptoms should see a doctor right away. For most people without risk factors, a regimen of rest, fluids, medications (such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve), and (if necessary) decongestants will be adequate. The CDC currently recommends Tamiflu only for those who are hospitalized or who have high-risk conditions.
7. MYTH: I have a cough and a runny nose. I must have H1N1.  FACT: H1N1 symptoms almost always include fever (temp over 100 degrees) with a cough or sore throat.
8. MYTH: If I have the flu but don’t feel too bad, there’s no reason to confine myself.  FACT: Although the H1N1 influenza illness may be mild in some people, it can be serious in others. Some people staff have risk factors such as heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy — making them more susceptible to complications. Be responsible and protect others — stay at home if you are sick.
9. MYTH: The seasonal influenza vaccine protects you from getting the H1N1 flu.  FACT: The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three different influenza viruses that are expected to be around in the fall and winter. The H1N1 vaccine provides protection against only the novel H1N1 virus.
10. Myth: The influenza vaccine will give you the virus.  FACT: Injected flu vaccines only contain parts of dead virus, and therefore cannot infect you. The nasal spray flu vaccine does contain a live a virus, but the virus in the vaccine is specially engineered to remove the parts that make people sick. Despite the scientific impossibility of getting the flu from a flu vaccine, many people often confuse the side effects some experience from  the vaccine with having contracted the flu itself; or receive the vaccine, and within a few days are stricken with a cold or respiratory illness not associated with the flu.