Pharmacists have been listening to a stream of myths on the A(H1N1) swine flu virus and have noticed in the past days a rapid increase in the demand for antibacterial products that can help against the virus.

Disinfectants, antiseptic wipes, alcohol hand rubs and all sorts of other sanitizers have gone up in sales since the virus made its appearance in the Maltese islands, highlighted one pharmacist. “It is amazing how people reacted to the news about the flu”, she said.

Unlike in other countries, it seems that facemasks have not been a hit with the Maltese.

Pharmacists who were contacted about the situation preferred not to have their name or their pharmacy identified.

“People are coming to the pharmacy to ask about prevention methods and verify whether all sorts of home invented concoctions actually work against the flu," said a pharmacist in a pharmacy in the central part of Malta.

“One elderly person turned up at the pharmacy with a home grown horseradish plant. A friend advised him that if he eats loads of it he could rest assured he would never get swine flu! The pharmacy was full of clients and everyone burst out laughing,” the pharmacist recalled. “This is just one of the many myths that I've heard.”

Although the health authorities have made clear that in spite of the name, pork is safe to eat. However, many people are scared of contracting the flu if they eat the meat. “They find it difficult to understand that the virus mutated before it was transmitted to the human being,” said another pharmacist.

In the past days, pharmacists have had to explain to customers that they can still travel if they take the necessary precautions. People are avoiding crowded events like village feasts and concerts and others are also avoiding places like church or the bank simply to avoid meeting people for fear of catching the flu.

Generally pharmacists also reported large numbers of people buying the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza, just in case they would need them while on holiday abroad.

Some pharmacies have had to replenish their stock, while antiviral medication was constantly available at hospital. One particular pharmacist said that people are buying vitamins that boost the immune system

A pharmacist in Gozo pointed out that when the first A(H1N1) virus cases surfaced in Gozo people were alarmed and panicked. However, the situation settled down once people had consulted their doctor or pharmacist and obtained the correct information.