Influenza viruses can get into the body through only two portals of entry--the nose and the mouth. Protect the nose and mouth and prevent the flu from entering and proliferating within the body.
During a pandemic outbreak of flu virus, such as the recent outbreak of H1N1 swine flu in addition to seasonal strains, avoiding contact with the virus may be difficult or virtually impossible. Vaccination is only one among several preventive measures against infection.
Flu Prevention Practices
The following simple, but effective, steps can prevent the spread of flu virus after exposure.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Keep hands off the face. Consider wearing a face mask.
- Gargle twice a day (or more) with warm salt water or mouth wash to flush out flu germs.
- Clean nostrils once a day (or more) with warm salt water to reduce the viral population.
- Boost natural immunity with foods rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. In addition, zinc boosts absorption of vitamin C supplements.
- Drink plenty of warm liquids (coffee, tea, broth) to flush viruses out of the throat and into the stomach where they cannot proliferate.
About H1N1 Swine Flu Viral Infection
H1N1 flu virus takes several days after entering the body to spread and present symptoms. Gargling with salt water, cleaning the nose, and drinking hot liquids can flush flu germs from the body before they have sufficient time to spread.
About H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine
The H1N1 flu vaccine contains egg, a common allergen, and may contain mercury (thimerosol), formaldehyde, squalene, and other potentially harmful ingredients. See more warnings against getting the flu vaccine.
Help Children Learn About Seasonal and Swine Flu
Children can learn about seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu through a free swine flu movie provided by BrainPOP.com. In addition, Seattle and King County Public Health (Washington) developed the 12-page comic book, No Ordinary Flu, to help teach kids and families about pandemic flu. The comic tells the story of a family's experience during the 1918 influenza pandemic and explains the threat of a flu pandemic today, what to expect, and how to prepare. King County also provides a free Stop Germs, Stay Healthy! poster to teach kids about swine flu and stay healthy practices.
Remember: The nose and mouth are the only points of entry for flu germs. The hands can carry flu germs to the nose and mouth. Wash hands often and keep them away from the face. Flush out germs by gargling with salt water and by drinking warm beverages.
Sources:
Booth, Sarah and Kelsey Hills-Evans. "Pandemic Influenza: Preparation and Response: A Citizen's Guide." InSTEDD, May, 2009.
Watkins, Marj. "Kitchen Medicine: Cold Comfort." The Epoch Times, December 2008.
Meadows, Michelle. "Beat the Winter Bugs: How to Hold Your Own Against Colds and Flu." FDA Consumer, Vol. 35, December 2001.
Taylor, Kimberly. "Why Some People Don't Get the Flu." msnbc.msn.com, August 30, 2011.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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