How to Take Swine Flu Precautions

Swine flu precautions are simple, inexpensive, and can protect you and your family from swine flu influenza (the h1n1 virus). Though the swine flu has not reached pandemic proportions in the way expected, some scientists think it could infect half of the US population in the flu season of 2009.

As a highly contagious virus here are some swine flu precautions to take to help avoid the swine flu epidemic.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. KEEP A GENERALLY HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.
   
   The swine flu epidemic will disproportionately affect the weakened and the frail. Since the swine flu epidemic is known to worsen pre-existing conditions or chronic health problems a good rule of thumb is to do everything you can to keep your immune system robust:
   
   - Exercise regularly without radically increasing intensity. The swine flu epidemic will not have nearly as drastic an affect on you if regular exercise is maintained. If you have swine flu symptoms however, cease exercise and get rest.
   - Get significant rest every night. The best hours for sleep are 10-2 so don't short them. Most adults require 7.5 hours of nightly sleep to function at their best level. Rest will keep your immune system robust against the swine flu epidemic.
   - Eat a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables supplementing it with vitamins as necessary.

2. PRACTICE DISCIPLINED HYGIENE
   
   Swine flu epidemic precautions have to include regular use of standard hygiene that we all know, and few practice:
   
   - Wash hands regularly especially after being in public places. Wash for thirty seconds with soap and rinse well.
   - Avoid touching the mouth and nose to help avoid passing the swine flu epidemic.
   - Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Wash hands following.
   - Avoid using other people's utensils, drinking glasses, or drinking fountains unless necessary.

3. GET THE VACCINE IF AND WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.
   
   The swine flu epidemic should have a matching vaccine available late in the fall of 2009. Anyone with increased risk (older populations or people with chronic problems) should consult with their physician to see if they are a priority for the vaccine.

4. GET ANTIVIRALS FOR THE SWINE FLU IF INFECTED.
   
   See your doctor immediately if you have a fever over 100 degrees, a sudden cough, or typical flu symptoms such as weakness and fatigue, head pains, chills, aching muscles, joint pain, diarrhea, nausea, painful throat, excessively runny nose, or sneezing. There are two antivirals that when administered quickly help combat the swine flu epidemic. Tamiflu and Zanamivir are two possibilities. Be fully aware of any possible side affects and stay in close communication with your physician.
   
   See more tips and warnings on the swine flu epidemic below.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay calm about the swine flu epidemic and pandemic language. There have been epidemic scares in the past that proved to be overblown. Stay calm, but take precautions.
• Use common sense about hygiene and swine flu precautions.
• If swine flu cases are reported in your children's school, consider keeping them home for a few days.
• See related articles above for more on the swine flu epidemic.

[watersong]

on 9/1/2009 Thank you so much for this valuable information. We will take these steps. 5*

[Merriment]

on 9/1/2009 Good information to avoid and recognize the swine flu. I think it's going to be a rough fall season with this flu cycling for another round.

[jujudy]

on 8/31/2009 Good advice on avoiding the swine flu. If everyone takes reasonable precautions and seeks medical attention as soon as possible when swine flu symptoms appear, perhaps we can keep this under control. 5*s