Simple precautions for flu
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Editor:
These simple precautions can save a lot of problems, considering that the flu bug can still infect people for up to 14 days after having received the shot, as it takes that long for the body to build up enough immunity.
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 and 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. Resist all temptations to touch any part of the face
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water. H1N1 takes two to three 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. 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. Vitamin C tablet should also have zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much warm liquid 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 and proliferate or do any harm because of it.
Ed Deak
Big Lake Ranch
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