"Swine Flu Myths"

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                 Swine Flu: Now know the Facts from the Fiction

Its much worse than your average flu: In fact most doctors agree that swine flu has the same effect as a normal seasonal flu. It does happen to be slightly more contagious, and that’s because unlike other strains of the flu (to which many of us have been exposed to at some time or the other), we don’t have any immunity against the swine flu. However, the symptoms are very much the same as one has with a regular flu.


Masks protect you: Again, most experts agree that walking around with a mask on when you are not infected with the virus does not make you any less susceptible to it. In fact, many doctors will argue that safer than the mask is to ensure that you are regularly washing your hands with a good anti-bacterial soap. Only if you are infected with the swine flu might it make sense to wear a mask so that you can prevent spreading the virus to others through airborne transmission.

If you get swine flu, go straight to the emergency room: Patients would have a mild case of swine flu would be much better off staying at home and taking the regular medicine for flu they would otherwise take (or else taking those medications prescribed to them by a doctor). Chances are if you go to the hospital, you risk increasing your exposure to other infections, as well and exposing those around you to the swine flu virus. Of course however, if you are concerned about any risk factors you might have which can result in flu complications, its best to contact your doctor and get the right advice.

If you are young and healthy you can't get it: This virus actually tends to infect people under the age of 60 more than those above it. According to doctors its because older people tend to have been exposed to some strain of the H1N1 virus at some point in their lives, which increases their resistance to it. However, regardless of your age, the smartest thing to do would be to ensure you make a habit of washing your hands several times in a day, avoiding people who have the infection, and be aware of any symptoms (body ache, fever, throat ache, cough, cold, fatigue) you might develop. If you begin to feel fluish, do not ignore the messages your body is sending. Be smart: stay at home, talk to your doctor about the right medicines, eat well, drink lots of liquids, and rest until you are well again.

Head back to the office once you feel better: Despite what you might think, the flu virus can stay in your body (and therefore be able to spread to others) for upto 24 hours after your fever has gone and you are off any medications for fever.