H1N1: Fact versus fiction

Learn the facts about H1N1 to protect both you and your family this flu season
Nov. 30, 2009 | By: Laurie J. Blake

Considering the mountains of information circulating about the H1N1 flu (a.k.a. the “swine flu”), it’s not surprising that many of us are not quite sure what to believe about this season’s most significant health concern. The Canadian government has ordered what it believes to be enough vaccine to inoculate all Canadians who wish to have the flu vaccine. Vaccinations for the targeted or high-risk groups began in early November.

Despite this, recent news reports indicate that only about 50 per cent of Canadians plan to receive the vaccine. Yet, according to Dr. Gerald A. Evans MD, FRCPC, being vaccinated is really the only sure way to significantly reduce your chance of contracting the virus. During a recent interview, Dr. Evans – an associate professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, at Queens University, as well as an Associate Professor of Medicine and also Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, Kingston General Hospital/Hotel Dieu Hospital – helped dispel some of the myths surrounding the H1N1 virus.

Belief: The media and public health agencies have inflated the prevalence of the H1N1 flu and I’m not likely to get it, or to get really sick.

Facts:  The problem with the H1N1 flu, says Dr. Evans, is that it is a brand-new strain this year. So, unlike the seasonal flu, which is a variation of a flu from past seasons, most people will not have any immunity built up to H1N1. This means that most people will be extremely susceptible to this virus. While everyone is quick to assure that most cases of H1N1 to date have been mild, every flu season thousands of people die from the seasonal flu. While most people will experience three to five days of illness and then return to normal if they contract the H1N1 virus, Dr. Evans warns that there will be deaths from this strain.

Advice: Get vaccinated to prevent contracting the flu.

Belief: People get the flu from other infected people, as well as from surfaces touched by those infected with the flu.

Facts: Flu is most commonly transmitted from person-to-person via tiny droplets containing the virus that an infected person has expelled by sneezing, coughing, and so on. Some exposure may also occur by touching an infected person’s hands or recently touched surfaces, if you immediately transfer the living virus to your mouth, nose or eyes. However, Dr. Evans notes that unlike some rhinoviruses (which cause the common cold), the flu virus only survives for a few minutes outside the body.

Advice:  If you get sick, stay at home. Check with your employer to find ways you can do your job without coming into the office. You may also suggest that other family members stay at home as well since they have been directly exposed to the virus.

Belief: Good hygiene practices will protect you from the flu.

Facts: Proper hand washing, sneezing and coughing into your sleeve and washing commonly touched surfaces are important everyday practices that can help prevent the spread of certain types of viruses and bacteria. Those viruses, such as rhinoviruses, that cause the common cold often do linger on people’s hands and other surfaces, so washing areas with antibacterial soaps may well limit exposure in these cases. However, there seems to be a difference in opinion about how effective these measures will be in fighting the flu. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and most of the public health agencies across Canada believe following proper hygiene will help prevent the spread of H1N1. But it’s important to be aware, as Dr. Evans notes, that the flu virus is spread directly through person-to-person contact via minute droplets, and that the virus does not live very long outside of the body. There have been some suggestions circulating around the Ethernet that gargling with salt water and wiping out your nostrils will prevent the virus from attacking your system; according to Dr. Evans, these practices won’t necessarily hurt you, but are unlikely to have any effect at all on the H1N1 virus.

Advice: Continue to follow the principles of good hygiene recommended by public health agencies, keeping in mind that it will help, but taking these measures to extremes will be no more effective than using simple common sense. 

Belief: The H1N1 vaccine has been rushed through production and may not be safe.

Facts: This is a very minor concern, says Dr. Evans. A very similar vaccine was used in other countries during the earlier H1N1 outbreak and health officials have no reason to question its safety.

Advice: Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the vaccine’s safety.