Below are some simple suggestions of safe ways to prevent the flu this season. This information comes from a nurse in my area:
The main 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 sleep).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (Listerine can be used as well).
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 have a 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. (Also consider a Sinus Rinse).
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C
(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.
