How to Prepare for and Prevent Swine Flu

Swine flu, or the H1N1 virus, is a great concern to many Americans. The main reason for concern is that we don't know much about it, or what we can do to avoid it. I've done some research and will provide you with advice and guidelines from leading authorities, all consolidated into one, easy to use resource.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    

   STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST NEWS REGARDING SWINE FLU (H1N1)
   Here are some valuable online resources where you can find the latest reports on the virus, including the number and locations of confirmed cases and changes to official warning levels:
   
   pandemicflu.gov
   
   cdc.gov/swineflu
   
   webmd.com/cold-and-flu/swine-flu

2. 
    

   TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
   These are things you and your family should be doing every day in order to maintain a strong and healthy immune system and to avoid infections of all kinds:
   
   1. WASH YOUR HANDS. This is the number one thing you can do to avoid contracting a virus. Wash your hands often and well, with antibacterial soap and warm water. Always be sure to dry your hands thoroughly.
   
   2. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. The natural antioxidants and vitamins found in fruits and vegetables will help strengthen your body's natural defenses. Dark leafy greens and red fruits and vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes and red berries contain the most antioxidants.
   
   3. Watch the people around you. This does not mean go around accusing everyone who sneezes of spreading swine flu. Simply be aware of your surroundings and avoid being in small cramped spaces with people who appear to be unwell.
   
   4. Take an immune-boosting vitamin supplement. Vitamin C is a favorite, but multi-vitamins are a good way to go too. If you take one of these normally, consider increasing your does for a period of time to make your immune system even stronger.

3. 
    

   IF YOU THINK YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW MAY HAVE SWINE FLU (H1N1)
   
   If you are sick, stay home from work. You may or may not have swine flu, but regardless, the last thing you want to do is put other people at risk.
   
   Call your doctor before going in. Your health professionals will advise you on what to do next. This may involve an office visit, but calling first will give them time to prepare and avoid a situation where patients in the waiting room are at risk of infecting one another.

4. *There is no guarantee that following these steps will prevent you from contracting any virus. However, if you educate yourself, take preventative measures and consult a health care professional with any concerns you may have, you will be better prepared than if you do nothing.*

[emilywhitby1]

on 7/29/2009 Thanks for the tips--I'm pregnant and have young children in school, so we're especially worried about the swine flu resurgence this fall. I've been training my kids to wash their hands well, and I'll be sending hand sanitizer with them to school! I especially like your tip on staying home--if we were more careful about staying home when sick, fewer people would be exposed to illness! Great article--5*

[lildutchgirl56]

on 6/16/2009 My husband just got over a mild case of the swine flu, your right it's not a guarentee, but still worth practicing this excellent tips.

[tachic]

on 6/15/2009 Good swine flu tips.

[ruf1950]

on 6/11/2009 Great ideas here on how to prepare for and prevent swine flu. I'm taking a long flight overseas soon and plan to wear a sugical mask ad carry with me a little package of sanitary wipes - just in case! 5*****

[hnatalieann]

on 5/24/2009 Great tips! 5 stars and recommended.