Myth: You can get swine flu from eating pork
Fact: Eating pork is as safe as it ever was
Don't worry, there's no need to give up bacon sandwiches! You cannot contract swine flu from eating pork. While it's true that handling and consuming pork can transmit some viruses, as long as it's been handled properly and cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (which kills off most bacteria and viruses, including the virus that causes swine flu) you're perfectly safe to carry on eating pork. Swine flu is a respiratory virus that is spreading from person to person (i.e. via coughs and sneezes) – NOT from the consumption of pork.
Myth: If you think you have swine flu you should go straight to A&E
Fact: You should NOT go to your GP or hospital in person if you think you have the virus
You should stay away from your doctor's surgery and A&E if you think you have swine flu. This is to prevent the virus spreading. If you think you have swine flu, you should phone your GP or call NHS Direct, Tel: 0845 4647 and you can nominate someone (uninfected by the virus) who can collect Tamiflu on your behalf.
Myth: The swine flu virus has developed resistance to Tamiflu
Fact: That is not the case, certainly not at the moment
While the virus has not yet shown wide spread resistance to Tamiflu or Relenza, it is possible that this could happen in the future. If the virus should mutate to become resistant to the main antiviral treatment Tamiflu, the government has a supply of Relenza that could be used instead.
Myth: If you get swine flu now you'll be immune in the future
Fact: If the virus mutates you could get it twice
From previous flu pandemics, we can expect there to be a more severe second wave of the pandemic in autumn and winter. However, exposing yourself to the virus now is not a good idea. Apart from irresponsibly spreading the virus, there's every chance you could catch swine flu twice. This is because if the virus mutates, your immune system is unlikely to recognise the different strain and you may become ill again.
Myth: Wearing a face mask is the best way to protect yourself from swine flu
Fact: Face masks may help you prevent spreading the virus, but not from contracting it
Wearing a face mask may help stop those ALREADY infected with swine flu from passing it on, but wearing one isn't that effective at preventing you from contracting it. Frequent hand washing and keeping 3 to 4 feet away from people is the best way to help avoid contracting the virus.
Myth: The seasonal flu jab will protect you against swine flu
Fact: A special vaccine is required
While the seasonal flu jab may provide a minor boost to your immune system, it is essentially useless against swine flu as it is specifically tailored for the expected strains of ordinary flu. A specific vaccine for swine flu is in development, with the first batches of vaccine expected to arrive in the autumn - 30 million double doses (enough for half the population) is expected by the end of the year. Those at the greatest risk will be vaccinated first.
Myth: There's a good chance I could die from swine flu
Fact: Most people recover from swine flu within a week
Only a few people (36 in the UK to date) have died from contracting swine flu. Those people who died had underlying risk factors, in other words, they were suffering from a long-term medical condition, such as cancer. Like any other type of flu, people can die from swine flu if they develop complications, such as pneumonia.
Myth: You can pass swine flu to your pet
Fact: Your cat or dog is not at risk
There is currently no evidence to suggest that human beings can pass the swine flu virus to cats or dogs, (just as your pet would not catch normal seasonal flu).
Symptoms and what to do
If you or someone in your family has a high fever (a high body temperature of 38°C/100.4°F or over), shortness of breath, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing, you should call your GP or NHS direct. Some people to have contracted swine flu have reported suffering from a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
You can phone NHS Direct on:
England - NHS Direct call 0845 4647
Scotland - NHS 24call 08454 242424
Wales - NHS Direct Wales 0845 4647
Northern Ireland - contact your local GP surgery or your local out-of-hours service.
For more information visit: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx