Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | Sign In

How to Prevent Flu Virus Infection

Alternatives to H1N1 Swine Flu and Seasonal Influenza Vaccines

Oct 28, 2009 Sara McGrath

Vaccines are not the only way to prevent flu virus infection. Several simple steps can prevent the spread of infection after exposure.

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 present outbreak of H1N1 swine flu, avoiding contact with the virus may be difficult or virtually impossible. Vaccination is one among several preventive measures against infection.

Flu Prevention Practices

In addition to vaccination, 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 vitamin C, as well as vitamin A, vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. 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 the Swine Flu

Children can learn about 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.

References:

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.

The copyright of the article How to Prevent Flu Virus Infection in General Medicine is owned by Sara McGrath. Permission to republish How to Prevent Flu Virus Infection in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Hot Beverage

What do you think about this article?

Comments

Nov 2, 2009 4:47 AM

Guest :

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1676296/
Dear Sirs, If the web site is valid, think about new Arctic shipping routes that are now opening, as the glacier ice melts. Ballast water uptake and discharges, of water from around the world will take place around the melting ice. The 110th Congress did not approve ballast legislation passed by the House of Representatives (395-7) because in the Senate they considered it a states rights issue. The Coast Guard is currently asking for opinions about new ballast regulations that will govern shipping for the next two decades. Sincerely, Don Mitchel

Nov 26, 2009 9:04 AM

Guest :

Thank you for the article. I would like to make one small correction. Bacteria and viruses can actually enter through THREE entry points: the nose, the mouth and the ears. You can minimize your chance of getting the flu by gargling with salt water or hydrogen peroxide, using a neti pot with warm saline water in your nose, and putting some hydrogen peroxide in your ears. All three will help clean out infections.

2 Comments