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Posted at: 10/28/2009 10:56 PM H1N1 Flu Myths Debunked(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Washing hands, using hand sanitizer, and getting the H1N1 vaccine are just a few methods doctors say help prevent the spread of the flu, but what about some of the more unconventional methods so many people are now talking about? With the increase in flu cases, some are looking to the grocery aisles to prevent the flu. Ian Shapinsky of Austin says, "vitamin c is a very good help. I get citrus and tangerines and oranges and grapefruits and that's what I do." But word of alternative methods for preventing the flu is spreading. 10-year-old Chase Cunningham says his Mom has heard some options, "Her friend sent an email saying oil will help you." But not all of these methods actually work. According to Dr. Richard Schindler of Austin Medical Center, "There are a lot of rumors going around putting oil in the nose decreases virus penetration." The rumors vary, from drinking hot liquids like tea and gargling with salt water to kill the germs. Doctors say fears of taking the flu shot and the availability of the vaccine may be why people are turning away from traditional methods. "We know getting shots are very safe, works very well... people are very resistant to that,” says Dr. Schindler. But are these remedies really going to kill the flu? Just ask a doctor who has been in the trenches. "Probably a waste of time. Those things aren't harmful, but there's no good proof,” says Doctor Schindler. If you are looking for a way to stay healthy, listen to Dr. Schindler's advice, “The logic and years of experience show that hand washing, covering your cough, those things work very well in preventing the flu." If you have any flu myths that you want to debunk, just head to the links section of our website.
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