Swine Flu Scares: Fact or Fiction?

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Written by Kate Reardon

Let it first be noted that eating Mexican food is not going to give you swine flu.

As you recover from your shock at discovering that yes, people really are that gullible, also keep in mind that although the virus does indeed originate in pigs, eating pork is not going to infect you either.  Sorry, Wilbur.

While it may be tempting to find rather outlandish measures to prevent the virus, doctors suggest more common methods.  Frequent hand washing, lots of rest, and stopping people from sneezing directly into your face are all recommended for swine flu prevention.  It is also safe to say that products like “Silver Shampoo” (virus-fighting hair care) or any other flu-related gimmick is not a good prevention strategy.

Some methods may not sound quite so crazy, but they too are ineffective.  Gargling/washing out your nose with salt water, while a successful way to alleviate sore throat symptoms that already exist, do nothing to actually prevent swine flu.  Hot liquids are the same- pleasant for sore throats, but unable to kill a virus.

The one thing that doctors do recommend? A vaccine.

Many parents have decided against vaccination for swine flu, thinking the risk is greater than its preventative potential.  However, health experts agree that there is an extremely low risk of contracting the virus as a result of getting the vaccine, especially compared with the risk of getting the virus without one.

Also, the rumor that electronic cigarettes prevent swine flu more effectively than the actual vaccine is most likely false.  At least, that’s what the doctors say.

As for facemasks, their reliability is questionable at best.  The virus is, as it turns out, small enough to penetrate most masks and the spaces around it, making them a good investment only for surgeons or costumed murderers.

So beware of such scams as germ-killing surgical masks, sneeze-neutralizing air purifiers, or flu pandemic kits.  These methods are not going to help you.  In fact, in the case of QuakeKare’s flu kits, you will most likely end up just looking ridiculous (complete with full-body suit, plastic sheeting shelter, protective goggles, industrial grade gloves, and biohazard bag).

1. Anna M. Says:
   November 30th, 2009 at 11:14 pm

   I have heard many rumors about a girl who had the swine flu vaccine and developed a very weird disease. Her symptoms include not being able to talk unless running, only being able to walk backwards, and only being able to run forwards. I’m trying to understand if this is another gimmick that people are willing to believe because they’re uneducated about the issue. It could quite possibly just be an illness that she would have gotten regardless of the vaccine. It is interesting to see what society is willing to believe.

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2. Kendall Songer Says:
   December 1st, 2009 at 12:49 am

   I thought this was really interesting. I hadn’t previously been aware that there was a push back on getting the swine flu vaccination because of the risk of contracting the disease! I really like your sense of sarcasm also.. it made your article a lot more entertaining.

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