Flu prevention

I got this email with some info from a doctor on how to prevent the flu from spreading. Hope you find it helpful.

Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation till the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle). H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. 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:

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm sal****er (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). 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 sal****er 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.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm sal****er. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm sal****er is very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids 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.

All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households, and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside public hospitals.

Thanks Steph for the great info -

Thanks Steph. It really isn't anything to mess with. We have quarantined off 2 floors at my work. We don't want it to become bigger than it has to.

Great Tips

I got my flu shot today and a B12 too!!!

Waiting for the H1N1

thanks - think I may print this and send it to school with the kids - ALL of the "gold standard" tests (the send off ones that take several weeks) from base are coming back positive for H1N1  -only about 75% of the quick ones they do here are however -  makes me REALLY interested in this - I so do NOT want sick peeps right now!

 Thanks for posting this, my mom said that she heard Dr. Oz say to take extra vita d. I guess it can not hurt us. 
Hopefully this will pass soon, Robin

keep thoses hads washed. I am begining to see moe out at school due to the Flu

Thanks Steph.  I already do saline in the nose pretty often to help with sinuses.  I drink 2-3 warm drinks per day and my doc has me taking Vit. C and Vit. D.  I do wash my hands a lot.

I already had my regular flu shot, as has Ben.  Not Ben hasn't gotten his yet!  

Karla

GREAT info-my MVI and Magnesium both have Zinc in them, but I'm thinking I need to take ADDITIONAL Zinc too? How much is enough or too much? I don't want to just WASTE it

Gina, I've been taking an extra 50mg of Zinc a day since last July (before my plastics).  I get mine at Walmart-there's 200 pills in a bottle and it must be cheap or I wouldn't buy it. (Probably $5-7/bottle).