The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
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 (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
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. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), 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 (Amla and other citrus fruits). *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 (tea, coffee, etc) 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.
I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list. You never know who might pay attention to it - and STAY ALIVE because of it.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
9 comments:
h1n1 is such overblown hype. Right now h1n1 has killed 5k WORLDWIDE while "seasonal flu" kills 35K ANNUALLY in the us alone. IF the numbers get to those levels then we can be more concerned..but saying you'll most assuredly die because you don't gargle or whatever is nothing but fearmongering hype meant to scare you into irrationality.
I appreciate these sensible precautions and will use tem. Thank you.
I have never had the flu of any type.
I drink plenty of beer , the alcohol will help keep it away.
Give your kids at least 3 Buds a day and keep the doctor away.
One route of transmission that was not specifically mentioned is the eye. Touching/rubbing the eye can deposit viruses to the eye's surface. The eye is normally continually washed clean by the production of tears, which also lubricate the eye. The tears are continually produced and drain away as more is produced. (If they didn't drain away, they'd constantly be dribbling down our faces. The ducts drain to the nasal cavities, where they have easy access to the lungs and the rest of the body.
So, if you're going to rub your eyes, use a tissue.
Good suggestions regardless.
get the vaccine, if you can find it
One thing I dont do anymore is shake hands with anyone-regardless. Hate to say this but even if the President was in my company, I would not even shake his hand. Not taking any chances!
Don't forget...these are good rules to prevent the spread of colds & seasonal flues, not just those of swine origin.
Number 1 in my book...same as any year....if you are sick...STAY HOME!
I walked into the car wash last week and there was a young girl (late teens probably) wearing one of those snuggie thingys. The girl working asked her if she was cold and her response was "I'm freezing, I'm sick".
I immediately backed up towards the door I had just entered. At that time, I looked over at a woman who I thought was maybe her mother and she said "yeah...she has a virus". As nonchalantly as all get out.
What the heck are you doing out in public if you are sick?
C'mon people, use some common sense!!
It wasn't bad enough for the girl to be out, but for her mother to be out with her? IDIOTS!
All to get your car washed? Was a car wash really that important?
I was not the only customer who bolted out the door either.
My mother is 84 years old and has health problems to begin with. All I need is some IDIOT giving me the flu out of their own carelessness, so I can take it to her. It will KILL her if she gets it, H1N1 or not!
Think about things like that before you go out in public sick, PLEASE!!!
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