Avoiding the H1N1 Flu
In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. 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):
- Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
- "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of your or anyone else's face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
- Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt, or use a citrus seed extract (10 drops per 3 ounces of water) like agrisept that also has antiviral properties). 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.
- Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at using a Neti pot, but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton swabs dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
- Supplements: 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. Vitamin D supplementation may be good during the winter months when exposure to sun is less. Vitamin D also helps boost immunity and prevent infection. Bioactive whey proteins like Immunocal also help to boost immunity and may help prevent against infection.
- 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.
This is an adaptation by Steven P. Petrosino, Ph.D. MACAM from an article by Dr. Vinay Goyal, who is an MD, MBBS, DRM, DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist), with clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Tata Memorial, etc. Presently, he is heading the Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre.
In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
disinfect throat, epidemic, flu, gargle, H1N1, lysterine, mouth, nose, precautions, prevent proliferation, salt solution, throat, vitamin C, vitamin D, wash hands, zinc
SuperSonic
cictambuctcaw@gmail.com
195.88.33.78 Submitted on 2009/11/02 at 5:53pm
Hi there,
Interesting, did you plan to continue this article?
Thanks
SuperSonic
http://www.fd3la.com/
uberVU – social comments
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174.129.104.191 Submitted on 2009/11/03 at 6:08pm
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