As on 2nd May, three cases of suspected swine flu have been reported in India. These are people traveling from Chicago and London. They have been quarantined at Ram Manohar Lohia hospital at New Delhi. It is a cause of alarm considering that the flu is passed from human to human. Here are few myths and facts about the flu:

Myths

• You can catch swine flu from eating pork. (Properly cooked pork is safe)
• Flu is transmitted from pigs to human (It’s rather transmitted from human to human)
• You can avoid the swine flu by wearing a facemask. (Virus is small and can pass through. There are sociality masks but not fool proof)
• You should stay home until the swine flu outbreak is over. (You should stay home and rest only if you have contracted the flu!)
• Flu is deadly (It is curable just like any other flu)

Facts

• The last swine flu outbreak occurred in February 1976 in Fort Dix, New Jersey
• There is currently no vaccine for the current swine flu in humans. Vaccines need months to develop. It is said that it should be ready by winter time.
• Swine flu can be contracted by people of all ages
• Symptoms of swine flu can be similar to cold or viral fever such as headache, fatigue, discomfort, high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and body ache. Hence, consult you doctor.
• Swine influenza is common in pigs in the Midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe, Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.
• Swine flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness hence sick or not, cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing, use a tissue and discard after use, wash your hands as often, do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.