In response to the need for factual information on H1N1 influenza, more commonly known as the swine flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established the Flu.gov website. Many myths persist, however, partly because of the name--"swine flu"--and partly because the wide coverage the swine flu has received in the media has spawned many inaccurate ideas about the disease.
Swine Flu is Caused by Pigs
The CDC notes that in the past, contact between a human and a pig was responsible for swine flu transmission, but the virus is now capable of human-to-human transmission. The CDC states that pork is safe to eat, and recommends cooking pork to a temperature of 160 degrees F, which will kill most bacteria and viruses.
H1N1 Mainly Targets Hispanics
H1N1 first emerged in Mexico and then was initially noted in Hispanic populations in the United States. Since Hispanic populations were heavily affected in the early phases of the epidemic, it was perceived to target this group specifically. However, eventually swine flu spread and affected every racial group.
All Flu-like Symptoms Are From Swine Flu
Flu-like symptoms can still be caused by the seasonal flu. Colds and sinus infections can also present with similar symptoms. No matter the cause, those with flu-like symptoms should limit their exposure to others to reduce the likelihood of transmission.
Patients Only Need to Get One Flu Vaccine
The CDC wants the public to receive both the regular seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine was not formulated to account for H1N1 influenza, so a separate vaccine is necessary.
Patients With Flu-like Symptoms Should Go to the ER
Stephen Morse, Ph.D., professor of clinical epidemiology at Columbia University, recommends that patients call their primary care physicians first. A trip to the ER increases exposure to the flu and other contagious illnesses. However, patients with complications such as respiratory difficulty, pain in the chest or abdomen, or dehydration should not hesitate to seek emergency care.
Swine Flu Only Affects Older People
The CDC reports that 30 percent of all H1N1-related hospitalizations in 2009 were in otherwise healthy patients. Even more troubling, people from the age of 5 though 24 were especially affected by H1N1, a demographic not typically targeted by the seasonal flu.
