Think you have the facts
straight on H1N1? Test yourself with these statements that are tripping people
up:
1) Eating
or handling pork doesn't put me in danger of contracting the H1N1 virus.
a. True - The 2009 H1N1 virus is not spread by food.
2)
By getting the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine, I'll also be protected from the regular flu.
a. False -
H1N1 vaccines and seasonal flu vaccines vaccinate you against completely
different strains of flu. If you're at high-risk and want to be
vaccinated against both, then you'll need to take two different vaccines.
3) Pregnant
women cannot be vaccinated against the H1N1 virus.
a. False -
While pregnant women are not approved to take the live, nasal-spray H1N1
vaccine, they are encouraged to get a "flu shot" containing inactivated H1N1
flu virus.
4) Wearing
a facemask is my best defense against catching the flu.
a. False -
Facemasks can help reduce the spread of germs, but washing your hands often and
avoiding close contact with infected people are your best defenses against the
flu.
5) I
had swine flu (Okay, H1N1 flu) but am feeling much better now! Still, I
think I'll work from home for a couple more days...
a. True - Staying home is a smart move. You'll
continue to be infectious for at least 24 hours after you're fever has
subsided. When you finally do go back to the grind, practice good hygiene
and avoid close contact with coworkers.
Click here for more H1N1 facts from the CDC.
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