Don't be duped by common myths about flu

If there's one thing that spreads faster than the flu, it's unfounded rumors. We asked Dr. Dean Blumberg, pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of California, Davis Medical Center, to debunk a few common myths about the H1N1 vaccine.

Myth: The vaccine isn't safe. The vaccine is functionally identical to the regular seasonal flu vaccine. The chances of dying from it are much smaller than from H1N1 disease.

Myth: You can get sick from the vaccine. The flu virus is inactivated in the vaccine shot, so it can't make you sick. The virus is alive in the nasal spray, but it's so weak that the most you could get would be a mild runny nose or scratchy throat.

Myth: The vaccine has harmful chemicals. Multi-dose vials of the vaccine do contain the preservative thimerosal, which contains ethyl mercury. Single-dose vials and the nasal spray do not. Many studies have shown thimerosal poses no danger to children.

Myth: The H1N1 vaccine shouldn't be administered to pregnant women. Pregnant women should not receive the nasal spray, but they should be first in line to get the shot.

SACRAMENTO BEE

The American Medical Association recently set up AMAfluhelp.org, a flu health-assessment site that allows patients to assess symptoms quickly and interact with their physician. The program walks patients through a series of questions to determine the severity of their flu symptoms based upon the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. It also offers vaccine information for pregnant women, and guidance on monitoring post-vaccine symptoms and determining when to return to school or work after the flu.

MCCLATCHY NEWS SERVICE

Sugary cereals with refined grains are labeled a "Smart Choice" or a way to "support your child's immunity." Corn oil and chips boast that they are good for your heart. Ice-cream snacks brag about having "0 grams trans fat," but a serving contains about 20 grams of saturated fat -- a day's worth.

Meaningless claims such as these are why Michael Pollan, author of the bestselling "In Defense of Food," and others say it's best to avoid any food product with a health claim. Instead, look for the genuinely heart-healthy whole foods, which are in the produce section but lack the financial and political clout of packaged goods.

CHICAGO TRIBUNE