H1N1 - SWINE FLU TIPS......

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions.While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced
1. Frequent hand-washing
2. “Hands-off-the-face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6.* Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Know the Difference between Cold and Swine Flu SymptomsSymptom Cold Swine FluFever Fever is rare with a cold. Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100° F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.Coughing A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold. A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to asdry cough).Aches Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.Stuffy Nose Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.Chills Chills are uncommon with a cold. 60% of people who have the flu experience chills.Tiredness Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.Sneezing Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. Sneezing is not common with the flu.Sudden Symptoms Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.Headache A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.Sore Throat Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.Chest Discomfort Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.