Wake up! Its morning...

Wake up people! Not because swine flu is on the spread but rather because of the contagious rumours it spreads along with. I found it a little funny to find almost all status messages of my friends related to swine flu. Some prayers, some apprehension, some philosophical thoughts like “honi ko kaun taal sakta hai?” (Who can stop the imminent?), to some sense of bizarre joy like “Yippee!! Holidays!!” Whatever be the state of mind, there surely is a lot of misconception regarding the same.
It’s like the other day at school a kid saw his friend wearing a mask and said “SWAN FLOO!” (swine flu)
MYTH 1:
“EVERYONE WEARING A MASK HAS SWINE FLU”
TRUTH:
Absolutely not necessary. It can very well be for the sake of protection. Please get this thought out of your heads.

My friend who suffered from viral fever was accused of having swine flu.
MYTH 2:
“COUGH AND COLD ARE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU”
TRUTH:
While the symptoms are the same, it may not always be swine flu. It may very well be a common cold/cough. But getting it verified from the doctor is appreciated.

A parent at school was complaining that wearing masks should be made compulsory at schools.
MYTH 3:
“MASKS PROVIDE 100% PROTECTION FROM SWINE FLU”
TRUTH:
Dr. D. Dhawan, chief medical officer said “masks don’t bestow much of an advantage to the wearer. They only add to the panic & scare that the spreading is faster than the flu. They DO NOT provide 100% protection. Instead, covering the mouth with a handkerchief or tissue folded to three layers could be more protective.”

MYTH 4:
“EATING PORK CAUSES SWINE FLU”
TRUTH:
Properly cooked pork, heated at 106 degree F does not possess a threat of spreading swine flu as H1N1 virus cannot survive at that temperature.

Hence from the above it is evident that there is a widespread misconception regarding swine flu. It can very much be treated. Death is not the ultimate. Instead of adding to the panic by spreading rumours regarding swine flu, let’s educate ourselves primarily and then spread awareness to help others cope with this scenario in a mature way. We are adults afterall!!!