Myths and Facts About the Swine Flu

We’re becoming complacent about the threat of swine flu. After all, many cases have turned out to be relatively mild even though there are a lot of them and the spread is breathtakingly fast. Even so, in most cases, serious outcomes such as deaths and hospitalizations have been easily explained by the patients’ pre-existing conditions. But there are some facts that you should be aware of in regards to the H1N1 flu.

It’s too soon to become complacent because this potentially disastrous virus is not gone. It’s likely to become more widespread once our regular flu season arrives, and it’s also likely to become more severe. Not only do we need to maintain awareness, we need to have some important information that will help us deal with a serious outbreak should it arrive.

The regular flu vaccinations will not prevent H1N1.
Not at all! The swine flu (H1N1) vaccine has been released, but due to the rush of developing the vaccine, it has not been thoroughly tested. You may want to consider if you really should take this vaccine, depending upon your health and pre-existing conditions.

A face mask is useless in protecting from H1N1 or even any other flu.
The only instances where the CDC recommends the use of a face mask are for those at high risk of severe illness from influenza or for those who are caring for someone with it. If you can’t avoid being in a crowded setting where there is reason to suspect the presence of the swine flu virus, such a precaution might be recommended. Everyone walking around with a face mask on is ludicrous. It’s not going to prevent an outbreak.

Don’t take chances by deliberately exposing yourself to someone with the swine flu.
Flu "parties" (or "pox parties") have been reported where a person with the virus invites others over so they’ll catch it and suffer a mild case that will immunize them when the virus gains strength. CDC condemns this as a very bad idea. For one thing, you can’t judge when a person will have pre-existing conditions that will make even a mild case a serious threat.

There are also things you should consider . . . for instance, how you can help prevent the spread of the swine flu, and what you’ll need to consider if you are affected.

Plan.
If you have a child in school, you need to decide ahead of time what to do if the school is closed for a period of time. How does your company handle sick time or leave in case of something like swine flu? It’s also a good time to stock up on hand sanitizers for work and home.

Become scrupulous about killing germs on anything people touch.
This is a good time to stock up on hand sanitizers and enforce regular use of them. Also, use cleaning supplies that are disinfectant.

Step up cleaning schedules and thoroughness.
These viruses tend to linger on anything people touch such as door knobs, books, and telephones.

The CDC is recommending vigilance but not panic. If we are overly alarmist, people tend to become complacent. Even so, if you’re having symptoms, for goodness’ sake, stay home and avoid exposing anyone to the extent possible.