Myth: Swine Flu and H1N1 is the same thing.

Fact: Influenza A (H1N1) was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were similar to those found in pigs in North America.

It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a ‘quadruple reassortant” virus.

The new (novel) virus has been christened “influenza-A (H1N1) virus.”

Myth: I will get H1N1 flu if I eat pork and pork products.

Fact: No. Lots of people have reacted to the Novel Influenza A(H1N1) flu outbreak by not eating pork products – just as some countries reacted by banning pork or slaughtering pigs. But experts say that despite the name, there’s no reason to worry about pork products spreading H1N1.

Though the virus did originate in pigs, it has now jumped to people. Since then, the spread has been from person to person. It is safe to eat well-cooked pork products.

Myth: There is no treatment for the H1N1 flu.

Fact: H1N1 flu is a mild disease and self-limiting in overwhelming majority. No antiviral treatment is required in most cases. In some high risk patients and patients with severe/ complicated disease there could be need for antiviral medication (Oseltamivir or Zanamivir).

Clinically, results with use of these drugs are best when started within 48 hours of developing symptoms.

Myth: The flu is only dangerous for the elderly.

Fact: It is true that the people most likely to become seriously ill or die from the seasonal flu are over 65 years of age. But flu can become risky for anyone, even healthy young adults.

Some of the most susceptible people to seasonal influenza are young children. In the case of novel influenza H1N1, so far, people over 65 years of age are suffering less whereas the younger population is getting affected more. Scientists globally are trying to understand this phenomenon.

Myth: If you get the flu once, you will not get it again during that flu season.

Fact: Many people assume that if they have had the flu recently, they cannot get it again. That is however not the case because the flu is not a single virus. Also, the virus mutates and therefore protection provided after infection from the earlier form may not be effective next time around.

Myth: There is a risk of H1N1 infection from drinking water.

Fact: Because drinking water has been treated by a conventional disinfection process, water most likely does not pose a risk of transmitting influenza. Recent studies have shown chlorination levels in typical drinking water being adequate to inactivate various influenza strains. Of the current cases of H1N1, none have been caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking water.

Myth: Influenza A H1N1 can be spread through recreational venues such as swimming pools, spas, and water parks.

Fact: All influenza viruses, including H1N1, infect the upper respiratory tract. However, there has yet to be a documented case of any influenza virus associated with water exposure. Furthermore, recreational water treated with commercial disinfectant does not pose a risk for transmission of influenza virus.

Though research has not been conducted specific to H1N1, it has been found that free chlorine levels in recreational venues easily disinfect highly pathogenic influenzas found in water, which provides evidence to conclude that H1N1 is most likely disinfected as well.

Myth: Swine flu parties are a great way to catch the virus and be immune to more serious strains that may emerge later.

Fact: Catching the virus will only promote its spread. Because scientists currently do not know everything regarding the nature of H1N1, there is a significant possibility the virus could escalate to more than just a mild infection. Moreover, catching H1N1 may not protect against more serious strains that may emerge in the future.

Myth: Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine is around the corner.

Fact: The World Health Organization is taking steps to develop a vaccine with the help of member countries and vaccine manufacturers. The vaccine might be available outside of India in September/ October. In India, vaccine development is currently ongoing and we may have to wait 5-6 months for it to actually become available.

Even after a vaccine is developed, dosage will have to be fixed and this will influence the amount of vaccine India will need. How effective the vaccine would be at that point of the pandemic is yet to be seen – the virus may change its composition rendering the vaccine less effective. Importantly, it must be remembered that vaccine alone is not the only solution – other interventions like hand washing, cough etiquette, social distancing and use of antivirals will have to be followed to prevent transmission of the H1N1 virus.

Myth: Seasonal flu vaccine protects against influenza A(H1N1) flu.

Fact: Novel Influenza A(H1N1) virus is genetically different from seasonal flu virus. Therefore, protection provided by seasonal flu vaccine is not effective in providing protection against Novel Influenza A(H1N1). So even if you got a flu vaccine earlier this season, it will not offer any protection against H1N1.

Source: CDC, WHO
Q&A: Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm.
National Health Service Choices: Your Health Your Choices. Swine Flu Q &A.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/QA.aspx#twice
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/