If you have a myth to share, or a piece of information you question, please ask or share what you've heard with others. The more we debunk the untruths about swine flu, the better our chances for staying healthy.
.....................
Just as contagious as the swine flu, the H1N1 virus, are the many myths that surround it, too. Let's separate the facts from the fiction, and uncover some of the fraud that is taking place.
MYTH: You need to touch a pig to catch swine flu.
This is untrue. The virus itself mutated so that it transmits from human to human. This is the reason the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control began watching how the virus transmitted.
MYTH: You can only get swine flu from someone who is Mexican.
This is also untrue. It is true that the virus was first identified in Mexico. It is also true that if you spent time in Mexico in Spring 2009, you may have been exposed to swine flu.
Now the virus is found in hundreds of countries around the world, and the Mexican connection is of no consequence in determining whether someone will catch it.
MYTH: Swine is pork, so eating pork can give you swine flu.
This is untrue. Pork meat cannot contain an influenza virus, which is an upper respiratory virus. In the meantime, if you are a fan of bacon, ham or pork chops -- enjoy! You won't catch swine flu from eating any of them.
MYTH: Mexican food will give you swine flu.
This is untrue. And mostly it's ridiculous. Mexican food does not come from Mexico. It's simply a type of cuisine, just like Italian food doesn't come from Italy. Even if it did come from Mexico, there has been no indication that the H1N1 swine flu virus spreads from the food supply.
MYTH: If you want to protect yourself against the flu, wear a face mask.
Wearing a face mask may partially protect you against swine flu. Some studies have shown benefits, but there are so many variables that wearing a face mask is no guarantee you are protected.
Hand washing, wearing face masks and avoiding touching surfaces that someone else who may have been exposed to swine flu has touched will, in combination, provide you with the best defenses.
MYTH: You can buy swine flu vaccine on the Internet.
This is untrue. It has come up in fraudulent, spam e-mail that started circulating early in this pandemic. The Better Business Bureau and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain have both issued press releases concerning these e-mails. Countries all over the world are revving up their vaccine producing engines, and vaccines will be available by Fall 2009 to inoculate American citizens.
Anyone pretending they can sell you vaccine on the Internet is trying to sell you counterfeit goods.
Other bogus products claiming to prevent or cure you of swine flu appear on the Internet, too. Arm yourself with information about these fraudulent products to keep yourself safe.
MYTH: The swine flu is more deadly than seasonal flu.
Not yet. In a typical flu season, 30,000 or more American deaths are attributed to seasonal flu. Fewer than two dozen swine flu-related deaths worldwide have been reported as of spring 2009. While the swine flu could become a more deadly flu, the high level of awareness and the steps people are taking to prevent its spread may keep it from becoming nearly so deadly as seasonal flu.
MYTH: If you catch swine flu, then family pets may be at risk, too.
This is untrue. Viruses rarely pass between human beings and cats or dogs. The jury is out on a pot bellied pigs, so you'll want to check with your pig's veterinarian. If you want to know more about swine flu and family pets, check in with our About.com Guide to Veterinary Medicine.
MYTH: The swine flu can infect your computer, too.
I actually laughed at this one! Computer viruses cannot be transferred to humans, nor vice versa.
However - there may be a reason people think this is true:
When people are desperate for information, or desperate to believe they can find help by using the Internet, then they begin visiting dangerous websites or downloading information to their computers -- both of which can infect their computers with a virus.
Stick to resources you know and trust. Don't believe any email that tells you that you can buy a vaccine or drugs to prevent or cure you from swine flu. These sites and emails are fraudulent.
MYTH: You can't believe swine flu information you read on Twitter or Facebook.
This is untrue, though it does provide a good caution. Social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and others make it very easy for myths or untruths to spread. Your best resources for useful and true information will be websites and other media considered to be credible. Several sites here at About.com, plus the WHO and the CDC websites, are great resources. They are linked below.
