Influenza A, also known as swine flu is caused by the H1N1 virus, which is transmitted by air, from person to person, through droplets of saliva from one sick individual to another healthy. The diagnosis of this flu is done through a blood test, because its symptoms are similar to those of ordinary flu, being only slightly stronger.
This flu is caused by skin H1N1 virus and it can be prevented by taking the flu vaccine. This is a trivalent vaccine, which at the same time protects against the H1N1 virus, also protects against the H3N2 and Influenza B viruses, viruses that cause the common flu.
As influenza A is a flu other than the common cold, it is normal to have questions about the subject, so here are some myths and truths related to this disease:
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1. I took the vaccine last year, I do not need to take this year again.
Myth. If you took the vaccine last year you're very likely to need to take it again this year. From year to year the H1N1 virus and the common flu virus can mutate, which causes the vaccine to be updated by the laboratories. However, mutations in the virus do not occur every year, so it is recommended that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if you need to take the new vaccine up-to-date.
For example, if you took the flu vaccine for the year 2015, in 2016 you are only protected against the H1N1 virus, but not the common H1N1 and Influenza B viruses, as they have changed and mutated since the last year. So in this case to stay protected, you need to take the vaccine again.
2. I can catch the A flu through consumption of pork.
Myth. It is true that the life cycle of the H1N1 virus passes through the pig, but it is only transmitted between people through the saliva, sneeze and contact with secretions of the sick patient, in the same way as the common flu.
3. People with the flu can take the vaccine.
Truth. People who get the flu, but without a fever, can take the flu vaccine that protects against the H1N1 virus. This vaccine is contraindicated only for infants less than 6 months of age, people with fever, with neurological disease or who have allergy to the egg or thimerosal substances present in Merthiolate, and to neomycin.
4. The vaccine against influenza A can cause death.
Myth. This theory came about because of the presence of two substances in the vaccine, mercury and squalene oil. However, the truth is that the mercury used is ethylmercury, which is a preservative that is also part of other vaccines such as diphtheria and tetanus. Oil squalene is a substance that is naturally present in our body and is used in the vaccine to increase its effectiveness.
5. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can take the vaccine.
Truth. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can take the vaccine normally, regardless of gestational age. However, application of the vaccine should only be done after obtaining the consent of the obstetrician.
6. The side effects of the vaccine are very strong.
Myth. Most people do not feel any side effects after taking the vaccine, but when they appear they usually last only about 2 days, and the most common symptoms include pain at the site of application, low fever and general malaise.
7. The virus used in the vaccine is dead, so it does not cause influenza A.
Truth. The viruses used to produce the vaccine against influenza A are inactivated viruses, which do not cause disease because they are dead and divided into pieces. Thus, it is not possible to get sick with influenza A after you do the vaccination.
8. This vaccine can only be taken up to a certain age.
Myth. This vaccine is recommended for all ages, however the earlier the vaccine is taken the better. Therefore, from 6 months of age it is recommended for all children, so that they are well protected.
9. The vaccine can be taken in the SUS.
Truth. In the public health network, the influenza vaccine is only available, but only for a part of the population called the "risk groups". These risk groups include children over 6 months and under 5 years of age, pregnant women, the elderly, the chronically ill, postpartum women, indigenous people, officials and the prison population.
In addition, in the private network this vaccine is expensive, and can cost up to 200 reais per person.
10. Use fennel instead of the remedy Tamiflu works to fight the flu.
Myth. This myth arose because the fennel also has the star anise compound, which is used to make the Tamiflu remedy. However, the anise used in Tamiflu is withdrawn from a plant originating in China, not being equal to that of the fennel found in Brazil and therefore the remedy should not be replaced. However, if you have influenza A, you can take fennel tea whenever necessary, as it has an expectorant, tonic and soothing action. See should be done swine flu treatment to avoid pneumonia.
Also, if you get the flu it is very important to know if it is influenza A, knowing how to differentiate between the symptoms of the common flu, swine flu and Zika.
