1. I’m a vegetarian so I don’t need to worry about catching swine flu.
Myth. Consuming pork does not spread the H1N1 virus. Like seasonal flu, swine flu is spread person to person via respiratory droplets to mucous membranes (eyes, nose and mouth).

2. I should take antiviral medicine now to protect me from swine flu.
Myth. You should only take an antiviral if your health care provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription.

3. I’m sneezing and coughing so I must have swine flu.
Myth. Coughing and sneezing alone are not generally associated with the swine flu. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of other flu strains including: Fever. Cough. Sore Throat. Body Aches. Headaches. Chills.
Fatigue. Diarrhea. Vomiting.

4. Swine flu is a combination of many viruses.
Fact. The recent outbreak of H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu, involves a new influenza strain that is a genetic combination of swine, avian and human influenza viruses.

5. You can spread swine flu to others even if you feel great.
Fact. If you do have swine flu, you can give it to others about 24 hours before you develop symptoms.

6. Pregnant women are more at risk with swine flu.
Fact. H1N1 has disproportionately affected young healthy persons. Most troubling is that contracting the H1N1 virus while pregnant can cause severe and life-threatening disease. Data suggests pregnancy may put women at greater risk of developing complications from thepandemic H1N1 flu. The CDC and the WHO urge public health providers treating pregnant women with flu-like symptoms to immediately begin appropriate antiviral therapy.

7. I get the flu shot, so I don’t need the swine flu vaccine too.
Myth. The regular flu shot does not offer protection from H1N1.

8. Hand sanitizers don’t kill the new H1N1 virus.
Myth. Hand sanitizers have been shown to be effective at killing the swine flu virus. When soap and water are not available, using hand sanitizers will help prevent the spread of the virus.

9. Health officials suggest basic hygiene measures to prevent the spread of H1N1.
Fact. Everyday actions can be taken to stay healthy:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
•Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Stay home and limit contact with others if you get sick.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

10.Swine flu has spread to all parts of the world.
Fact. Since emerging last spring, H1N1 has spread to 168 countries and has led to at least 1,154 deaths.

More information about H1N1 and additional crisis materials from the Minnesota Department of Health can be found here  or Olmsted County Public Health Services here.

Resources:
World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Department of Homeland Security
Mayo Clinic