Avoiding Viral Illnesses (Such as Swine Flu)

The H1N1 flu virus or Swine Flu that started in Mexico has spread throughout the world and has become a pandemic. But it still does not kill as many people as the regular flu. I think it brings up a good point about viruses in general and how they get passed on.

I’m around sick people all the time in the hospital and the office and am able to keep from getting sick by washing my hands regularly and not touching my face.

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Wash your hands with soap and warm water for as long as it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song.  You can also use an antibacterial hand gel.  Maintaining a normal speaking distance from someone, about 3 feet, should be enough space to avoid getting sick from respiratory droplets, unless someone is coughing.  For those who are coughing, you should do so into the inside of your elbow and away from other people.  However, the major way that germs are transmitted is by the hands.  Someone who’s sick coughs into his hands and then grabs a door handle to open it.  The next person who opens that door then rubs her eyes or nose and she’ll start having symptoms in a day or two.  Germs can live for hours or even weeks on some surfaces.

Other things that you can do to avoid the flu and viruses in general are:

• Drink plenty of fluids, at least eight 8oz glasses, or two liters of water per day.  You know you’re getting enough fluids if your urine is pale.
• Eat a well balanced diet that is heavy on fresh fruits and vegetables of a variety of colors.  This will help you to get the phytochemicals and antioxidants necessary to help maintain a healthy immune system.
• Get enough rest, at least 8 hours of sleep per night.  Our bodies get a chance to repair themselves when we sleep.
• Other supplements that may be of some benefit include Vitamin C, Asian ginseng, Probiotics, Echinacea, and Black Elderberry.

Most people will be mildly affected by the flu with fevers, muscle aches and poor appetite for about a seven-day period.  However, in those with compromised immune systems (the elderly, infants, and people with diseases such as AIDS and cancer) the flu can be fatal and they should seek immediate medical attention.  It’s important to note that the regular flu kills many more people annually than the H1N1 flu has so far.

But still, the best thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands and don’t touch your face. • About Dr. Savant

Related posts:

1. Health and Wellness Tip: Preventing Viral Illness
2. How to Tell the Difference Between Viral and Bacterial Infections ~ Wellness Tip
3. How to Tell If You Have a Viral or Bacterial Infection ~ Health and Wellness Tip
4. Flu Update
5. Flu Vaccines