How can I avoid getting Swine Flu?

or...Swine Flu No–No’s

Recession. Unemployment. Terrorists. Global Warming. Healthcare. And, last but not least, the recent (and future) threat of a Swine Flu Pandemic! Times are scary. And there are plenty of questions going around right now. But, as the flu season approaches and the impending threat of the H1N1 virus continues to grow, the most important question is: What do I need to do to avoid getting the flu? Here are some swine flu No–No’s that will help keep you safe and may prevent you from getting the flu this season.

No–No number 1: Planning or attending a “Swine Flu Party”
A “Swine Flu Party” is a festive event in which all of the guests attempt to get sick from someone who has contracted the H1N1 virus. The idea is that you’ll get mildly ill and then be immune to the Swine Flu virus and, your flu worries are over. Right? Wrong! Sadly, it’s not that easy. According to the CDC, there have been many mild cases of Swine Flu but there have also been severe and even fatal cases involving this virus.¹ If you happen to catch the party flu, the big unknown is, how sick will you be? It could be a mild, severe, or a fatal case. With that in mind, do you really want to risk getting sick when it could cost your life?

This 2009 photograph captured a sneeze in progress, revealing the plume of salivary droplets as they are expelled in a large cone–shaped array from this man’s open mouth, thereby, dramatically illustrating the reason one needs to cover his/her mouth when coughing, or sneezing, in order to protect others from germ exposure. No–No number 2: Sneezing into your hands instead of your arm or a tissue
The proper way to sneeze has become a lost art in American culture. We’ve resorted to using our hands and then forgetting to wash. Or worse, using a tissue and then sticking it back into our pockets, like it’s something precious. You may say, “Ok, so what’s the big deal?” Well, the big deal is that flu viruses are typically transferred by someone sneezing improperly, or using a tissue and not throwing it away.² Here are a few tips to practice:

Rather than using your hands, try sneezing into the crook of your elbow. This keeps you from touching anything with contaminated hands. Remember to teach the kids how to do this and praise them when they do it correctly.
If using a tissue, be sure to throw it away immediately after you use it.
If you happen to sneeze or cough into your hands, wash them immediately or use some hand sanitizer.

No–No number 3: Frequently touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
Think about all the things you do with your hands. Touching, driving, changing the channel, opening, closing, texting, wiping, cleaning; we constantly use our hands and come into contact with lots of different surfaces – surfaces that may carry the H1N1 virus. Don’t worry, you don’t need to carry a can of disinfectant everywhere you go, but you can change this one habit.

One of the fastest ways for viruses to enter your system is, you guessed it, through your eyes, nose or mouth. You can lessen your risk of getting sick this flu season if you wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. If you must touch your nose or rub your eyes, use a tissue. Sounds simple, but can be much harder than you think. Don’t worry, we believe in you.

No–No number 4: Always wear a “Facemask”
Contrary to popular opinion, the CDC is uncertain if face masks can protect you from contracting the H1N1 virus.³ There are those who need to wear masks and include: Caretakers and medical workers who are caring for those with influenza–like symptoms. If you have swine flu or any flu symptoms, please wear a face mask if you have to be around others. Finally, it might be a good idea to wear one if you are going to be in close quarters or crowds with people who have the swine flu, but may not be essential. For more information see the CDC site and list of recommendations regarding face masks and Swine Flu.

No–No number 5: Bolting to the emergency room at the first sign of any flu symptoms
Yes, it’s true. You won’t know if you’ve contracted Swine Flu unless a doctor tests you for it. But this doesn’t mean you should rush over to the hospital at the first sign of the sniffles. As news on the H1N1 virus spreads through headlines, more and more people who don’t need medical attention rush to the emergency room and make it that much harder for those who are really sick. In other words, people who need a doctor have to wait much longer due to the fear of the masses. Also, if you don’t have the flu you might just catch it from hanging out in the waiting room.

Here’s what you can do. If you do get sick, don’t panic. Check yourself for the symptoms at the end of this article first. If immediate medical care is needed, don’t be afraid to take action but first, get informed about what you’re up against. To help you out, we’ve referenced some websites at the end of the article so you can become Swine Flu savvy this flu season.

No–No number 6: Not Taking Action
The best offense is a good defense, and your health is your choice. There are actions that you can take today that will keep you from making the evening news tomorrow. The important point is that doctor’s recommendations for great health are still the same: eat a nutritious diet, be sure to exercise, drink plenty of fluids and don’t weaken your system with lack of rest, too much sugar, alcohol, or foods high in saturated fat.

We believe it’s important to help the body protect itself by taking vitamins and supplements like HumicLIFE. These steps and the actions you take (or don’t take) today will be the answer to flu–free season and better health tomorrow. It’s up to you.

FLU Symptoms
The CDC is telling people to look out for these symptoms⁴:

Fever
Sneezing and Coughing
That “Achy Body” Feeling
Chills, can’t get warm
Headache
Fatigue, more than normal
A Runny or Stuffy Nose
There is also the possibility of vomiting or diarrhea

Children should get immediate medical care if they experience:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin or lip color
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Adults should seek immediate medical care if they experience:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Bluish or gray skin or lip color
Sudden dizziness
Confusion or disorientation
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

References:

Statements made have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products can not be presented as intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The content of this site is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a physician or other health care professional. You should consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication or supplement, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.