Fact or Myth? Pandemic Flu

Pandemic flu refers to a worldwide outbreak of influenza among people when a new strain of the virus emerges, for which there is little or no immunity. There are concerns that the novel H1N1 influenza (swine flu) pandemic could cause considerable impact on the global economy; therefore, there has been an increase of information from the media and state and federal government on the subject.

Let's clear up some misconceptions about pandemic flu to help you learn more, plan appropriately and protect yourself against this serious health threat.

Myth: Seasonal flu and H1N1 are the same thing.

Fact:Seasonal flu can cause serious illness and even death, and it poses a risk for people with weak immune systems.

Seasonal flu is usually not severe in most people because they are already partly protected by having had a similar flu virus before. H1N1 is a new form of flu virus which spreads easily from person to person because young people have no immunity and adults and the elderly may have only partial immunity. H1N1 symptoms can be more severe versions of seasonal flu symptoms in young people since they do not have partial immunity.  and may include symptoms not usually seen with the flu, such as diarrhea or fluid-filled lungs.

Myth: A seasonal flu shot will protect against H1N1.

Fact: Flu vaccinations are a safe and effective way to ward off seasonal flu, the kind that occurs each year.

Current vaccines for seasonal flu will not protect against the H1N1, because pandemic flu viruses are new and it takes many months to develop a specific vaccine. Once the virus makes itself known, scientists can begin creating a matching vaccine, but this takes months.

Myth: You can get pandemic flu from animals.

Fact: Contact with animals is normally not a concern for human flu infection in the United States; however, animals can be a source of germs in general.

People who own or work with animals should always take basic safety precautions to stop the spread of germs, such as hand-washing and keeping pets out of areas where food is prepared.  There are currently no indications that pork (swine) or pork products pose any threat of catching the H1N1.

Myth: You cannot protect yourself against pandemic flu.

Fact: While state and local governments and many other organizations are working hard to prepare for pandemic flu, you must also be responsible for your own safety.

There are simple steps that you can take to help protect yourself against the spread of flu, whether seasonal or pandemic:

• Practice good hand-washing technique
• Practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette
• Follow social distancing practices
• Clean and disinfect countertops, sinks, doorknobs, tables and telephones
• Encourage these practices in the workplace through policies and education
• Stay home when you are sick