How to Prevent Swine Flu

September 25, 2009

Swine FluTop Ten Ways to Protect Yourself from the Swine Flu (H1N1) Virus

  1. Always, and I mean ALWAYS, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. When you are done, make sure to throw the tissue away in the garbage and do not place it back in your pocket or handbag.
  2. Avoid direct contact with sick people or people that you may think are sick or showing symptoms of the flu. i.e.. runny nose, sneezing, coughing, red eyes, etc,.
  3. Avoid crowded public places, especially cramped indoor places with poor ventilation such as subways, elevators, and airplanes. If you must travel, try Airborne Cold Medication, specifically intended to protect you from contracting viruses and colds while traveling.
  4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way. Think about all the things you touch throughout the day that might have come in contact with the virus: a public restroom door handle, the refrigerator door at work, the seat on the public bus, etc. If you’re a nail biter, stop now!
  5. Keep your immune system strong and healthy. The best way to do this is to get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of Vitamin C. If you can’t follow these suggestions then immune boosting supplements might be right for you.
  6. Pay close to attention to public health announcements by watching TV, listening to the radio, or following over the internet. They will also keep you notified of school closings if you have small children.
  7. Wash your hands as often as possible especially after returning home from the outside. If you do not have access to water and soap, make sure to stock up on alcohol based hand wipes. Make sure they are alcohol based.
  8. Get vaccinated. Although the swine flu vaccine wont be available till the middle or end of the fall, you should still get your “regular” flu shot to protect against common influenza. They are available at your doctor’s office, local clinic, and sometimes your local CVS, Eckerd’s, or Rite Aid Pharmacies for a nominal fee.
  9. If you think you are sick or are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends staying home for 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Note that your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
  10. If you do get sick, prepare yourself and your living space for about a weeks worth of rest. You don’t want to leave your house while you’re sick and contagious for things you should have already stocked up on like alcohol based hand wipes, cold and flu relief supplements, tissues, reading material, TV Guide, etc.

Now that we’ve discussed how to prevent swine flu and other contagious viruses from infecting us, make sure you follow these suggestions carefully. Early predictions are that the swine flu (H1N1) virus may be even worse the second time around this fall.


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