What do you know about flu?

What do you know about flu?

This image taken through a microscope shows a negative-stained image of the swine flu virus.

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By Jennifer Winters KVAL News and KVAL.com staff

EUGENE, Ore. -- The swine flu vaccine remains scarce, so that means for many people, the best protection against the flu is prevention. In two months, more than 100 people have been hospitalized with swine flu in Lane County.

But what really kills flu germs? Water? Hand sanitizer? Anti-bacterial soap? Can some do more harm than good?

KVAL News collected some frequently asked questions about the swine flu and got answers for you. You can find the answers by taking this Fact or Fiction quiz about the H1N1 swine flu.

1. FACT OR FICTION? The H1N1 swine flu is a global flu pandemic.

2. FACT OR FICTION? You can only catch swine flu when someone coughs or sneezes on you.

3. FACT OR FICTION? To kill the virus, you need need to wash your hands with a strong chemical or anti-bacterial soap

4. FACT OR FICTION? Hand sanitizers can keep you from getting sick.

5. FACT OR FICTION? Anti-bacterial soap kills flu virus.

6. FACT OR FICTION? The flu can live on a door handle or table for days or even weeks.

7. FACT OR FICTION? Anti-bacterial wipes will kill swine flu virus left on surfaces.

Swine flu vaccine info What to do if you are sick

 

Kids 12 and under can't visit hospitals
Hospitals restrict visitor access Is the H1N1 swine flu vaccine safe?

1. FACT. "2009 H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway." (Source: Centers for Disease Control) NEXT QUESTION

Swine flu vaccine info What to do if you are sick

Kids 12 and under can't visit hospitals
Hospitals restrict visitor access Is the H1N1 swine flu vaccine safe?

2. FICTION While it is thought that flu is mainly spread through the air, the Centers for Disease Control also believes you can also get the flu by touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. (CDC) NEXT QUESTION

Swine flu vaccine info What to do if you are sick

Kids 12 and under can't visit hospitals
Hospitals restrict visitor access Is the H1N1 swine flu vaccine safe?

3. FICTION. Study after study shows washing your hands with soap and water is most effective at killing flu germs. Be sure to lather for at least 20 seconds -- roughly the time it takes to sing the song "Happy Birthday." (Source: Mayo Clinic) NEXT QUESTION

Swine flu vaccine info What to do if you are sick

Kids 12 and under can't visit hospitals
Hospitals restrict visitor access Is the H1N1 swine flu vaccine safe?

4. FACT. If water isn't handy, studies show hand sanitizer will kill flu germs -- but only if it contains at least 60 percent alcohol. You also need to wet your hands completely and rub them vigoriously for about half a minute. (Sources: Studies cited in this New York Times report, Mayo Clinic) NEXT QUESTION

Kids 12 and under can't visit hospitals
Hospitals restrict visitor access Is the H1N1 swine flu vaccine safe?

Swine flu vaccine info What to do if you are sick

5. FICTION. A recent study found anti-bacterial soap was no more effective that regular soap in preventing illness. The ingredients in anti-bacterial soaps caused some bacteria to become resistance to antibiotics. Not critical for flu, but important in the big health picture. NEXT QUESTION

Kids 12 and under can't visit hospitals
Hospitals restrict visitor access Is the H1N1 swine flu vaccine safe?

Swine flu vaccine info What to do if you are sick

6. FICTION. Studies show the H1N1 virus can live for from 2 to 8 hours on surfaces. (CDC) NEXT QUESTION

Kids 12 and under can't visit hospitals
Hospitals restrict visitor access Is the H1N1 swine flu vaccine safe?

Swine flu vaccine info What to do if you are sick

7. FICTION. A 2008 study found that disinfectant wipes routinely used in hospital may actually spread bacteria because they are used on several surfaces. Research shows using a disinfantant like bleach, alcohol or amonia only works if the surface is wet for about 5 minutes and then air dries.

BOTTOM LINE: Washing with soap and water is your best bet in killing viruses, followed by using high alcohol-content hand sanitizer.

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