The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid 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 (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
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 salt water (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 salt water has the same effect on a healthy in di vidual 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 salt water. *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 di pped in warm salt water 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 (tea, coffee, etc) 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.
Check out my Natural Health Remedy blogs to learn how to stay well without drugs or surgery. Avoid illnesses like the swine flu as well as combat other diseases and ailments naturally.
The line up for the H1N1 vaccine is insane. It is amazing how long the lineups are to get the jab. I don’t know about you but the whole thing is getting me a bit paranoid. I really hate taking public transportation for that reason. Today I took the subway train and this lady sat down beside me. She asked me if I minded that she was sitting beside me. I said “of course I don’t mind!” After all that is what the seats are there for. I cannot tell her that she is not entitled to sit down beside me. It only took a few seconds for me to wish that I had changed my decision. She started coughing and hacking constantly. I was thinking oh crap, I wish I had a mask! Is it just a cold? Could it be the Swine Flu? Talk about an uncomfortable 10 minute ride. I figured since she had already spread her viruses out into the open that I was exposed even if I had moved to another seat. Sometimes I wish there was a section of the train strictly for sick people. Why make the rest of us healthy people suffer. It was just my luck that it was my first time on the train in over 6 months and I had to have the sick person beside me. Luckily I take many precautions to keep my strength up. I truly believe in healthy living and maintaining a healthy immune system. I read this book to give me good tips on how to look after my health naturally. I dose up on Vitamin C and D for extra measure. You cannot take any chances nowadays.
