FACTS Vs. MYTHS of the VICIOUS H1N1

So, as this vicious flu continues to dominate headlines around the globe and intensify its threat to human lives, it is of importance for us to distinguish myths from facts, and, all other things we ought to know to keep us away from this influenza virus.

Let's begin with the 5 most prevalent myths:
You can get H1N1 from eating pork. Absolutely a myth! Since the flu is new, during its outbreak, on April of this year 2009, impulsive notion that we could get the virus from eating pork alone have mouth spread too. This is the very reason why it's now more referred to as H1N1 rather than "swine" because the latter really was originally diagnosed only just on pigs. Well, now we know, not anymore!

Wearing a mask can save you from swine. It's a no, no! The mask can only do well for a while but as, you breathe; inhale and exhale it will then cause moist on the mask, which can welcome the virus straight to your system. What doctors recommend is for us to just stay home if we're sick.

Hand sanitizers will be enough to keep you away from swine. Of course not! What is ideal is for us to wash our hands as often as we can, for at least 20 seconds, with an antibacterial soap, constantly stroking; soaping our fingertips, nails up to the wrist, in running water.

You'd be saved from H1N1, if you'd get your seasonal flu shot. Wrong! There's a different vaccine meant just for H1N1 and that is Tamiflu. What's scary is that the virus even already developed resistance from the drug (Tamiflu).

H1N1 is man-made and created as a powerful weapon for mass destruction. There's no truth to this! Truth is, influenza (where H1N1 is categorized) was found to have numerous species, and it's just that we are lucky not to get infected yet with all of them. So, knock on wood!

Now, let's get to the facts:
Most at risk for H1N1 are adults 25 to 64 years old; children and teens (including infants of 6 months up to 24 years of age); pregnant women; medical professionals and care givers, even emergency personnel (like firemen, EMS crew and police).

Swine Flu is highly contagious and has spread rapidly. WHO declared it pandemic in June.

It is evolving and found very unpredictable. It is also now found mutating and becoming more severe than ever.

The Flu can be spread mainly from person to person; through coughing or sneezing, or by touching something; such as a surface or object with flu viruses on it and then touching mouth or nose.

Symptoms of H1N1 may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It may also bring on nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

It can get severe; can cause complication and even death, on patient(s) with previous respiratory illnesses, asthma, heart diseases, blood disorders, endocrine disorders, kidney disorders, metabolic disorders, neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions; weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those on chronic steroids) and on teens from 18 and below, who are receiving long-term aspirin medication.

With early diagnosis, proper and thorough medication, complete bed rest and plenty of liquids, H1N1 will most likely feel better within a week or so. But, take note of early diagnosis! Since, it's unpredictable; most recorded casualties actually resulted from late discovery of the affliction and likewise all the complications that resulted from this viral infection.

How to stay healthy:
Practice good hygiene and sanitation. Bathe yourself daily. Wash hands as often as you can with soap and in running water, especially, before and after eating, sneezing and coughing. Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing too. And, dispose used tissues or paper napkins properly in trash bins. Avoid unnecessary gestures and activities that can exposed you to any viral infections.

Nurture your body and strengthen your immunity. Take Vitamin C at least a dose of 500 mg in a day; keep nourishing your body with all the recommended vitamins and minerals; eat healthy and exercise too.

If you get sick, just stay home from home or school and limit interacting or contacting with others to keep from infecting the innocents.

Stay informed, get the flu shots (both seasonal and H1N1) and practice all the preventive measures!