Preventing Swine Flu in the Home

Come the fall people begin to cringe thinking about cold and flu season. This year the worries have been heightened by swine flu. Throughout the US, about 200,000 people annually are expected to become ill enough for hospitalization. However those numbers could be significantly higher depending on how well people prepare themselves.

Get a Flu Vaccine!

While the flu vaccine isn't really a "home prevention" it is one of the best steps for protecting yourself against the variants of the flu including swine flu. In particular pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases should make an appointment to get the regular flu vaccine. When you do, ask your physician if you should also get the new vaccine that's being prepared for the H1N1 virus.

Basic Prevention

At home, in the office, at the supermarket – wherever you may be there are certain things you can do to keep yourself healthy and avoid taking home the flu bug. By far, regular hand washing is one of the best preventatives. Using regular soap and water does the trick, and in lieu of that, rubbing alcohol in water or hand sanitizer will do.

Next, get yourself some antibacterial tissues. Use these when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue immediately. Do not re-use it!

Germs linger in many places, particularly on doorknobs, pens, telephone receivers, etc. Wipe down these kinds of items using an anti-bacterial product, and make sure you don't touch your mouth, eyes or nose afterward until your hands are washed. Touching transports the germs you were trying to avoid.

Of course it's always a good idea to steer clear of people you know are sick with swine flu, or who seem to be exhibiting symptoms. Unfortunately you may have been exposed long before the external manifestations occurred.

At Home

Before closing up your home for the cooler months a good sanitizing protocol can help protect against both the common and swine flue. You're going to want to stock up on disinfectant soaps, wipes, and cleaners. Plain old bleach and water are also excellent germ combatants. Using these items regularly:

wipe down countertops and stoves, sinks and tubs
wash floors
clean off handles and doorknobs (don't forget computer keyboards)
add color-fast bleach to your clothing and bedding during the wash cycle
wash out the refrigerator
use spray disinfectant on chairs, sofas, pillows, mattresses etc.
change out your heater's filter and any air filters you use regularly

Beyond this remember to let fresh air into your home on a regular basis. Use a dehumidifier in rooms that tend to be damp – this is prime breeding ground for both germs and mildew.

Importance of Diet and Exercise

One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself during cold and flu season is remembering to eat nutritional foods and exercise regularly. These two actions help support your immune system so that your body can better fight any infections with which it comes into contact. Also consider adding vitamins A, C, and E into your daily routine – these all have high anti-oxidant qualities that boost immunity too.

Feeling Lousy?

There's no guarantee that all your efforts will keep you from getting the common flu or the swine flu. However, using these guidelines can help keep people around you healthier. If you begin to feel sick, do your best to stay away from others. Follow all the normal protocols for the flu – drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking aspirin as necessary for fever control.

If your throat begins to exhibit white spots, you have trouble breathing, develop a rash, or your symptoms worsen rather than improve, its recommended that you seek professional medical care.

Do you have a good idea about how to avoid the swine flu? Tell us about it in the comments!

For more on the swine flu (H1N1), check out the EnvyMyHealth.com Swine Flu Channel.

Marilyn Vines Healthymoneyvine covers swine flu (H1N1), heart health, cancer, probiotic, nutrition, safe personal care, magnetic products, multiple MLM opportunities, FreeGlobalBiz, Trivani, LifeWave Patches, dóTERRA, Synergy, Codex, vaccination, swine flu, fluoride, aspartame, Teflon, health articles and free ebook

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