October 29, 2009 The spread of H1N1 Play video

(NECN) - To tackle H1N1 concerns throughout the region, a panel of experts addressed the misconceptions about the disease and the vaccine as part of NECN's H1N1 two-hour special.

Expert panel:

• Dr. Anita Barry, Boston Public Health commissioner
• Dr. Gwenn O'Keefe, CEO/editor-in-chief, Pediatrics Now
• Dr. Richard Zane, Brigham & Women's Hospital vice chair, Department of Emergency Medicine
• Dr. Myechia Jordan, CEO Dimock Community Health Center
• Dr. Jodie Dionne-Odom, N.H. deputy state epidemiologist
• Dr. Anita Barry, Boston Public Health Commission
• Dr. Alasdair Conn, Emergency Services, Mass. General Hospital
• Dr. Laura Riley, OBGYN Mass. General Hospital

This segment of the program concerns the spread of the virus. When is it okay for people to return to work or school after contracting the flu?

"We're telling people that 24 hours after the fever resolves without the use of Tylenol or other medicines to lower their fevers is when to go back," Dr. Dionne-Odom said.

Dr. Barry said that the virus can survive on a surface for two-to-eight hours, depending on temperature and other factors.

"Contact with the virus on a surface is probably a relatively small way that you're going to get it," Dr. Barry said. "Routine cleaning of surfaces with any household approved disinfectant is going to be very effective in killing influenza virus."

Dr. Barry said that the virus cannot be spread by eating.