New Tips to Prevent Flu and H1N1 Virus
Unique Ways to Boost Immune System, Avoid Flu Germs, Stay Healthy
Nov 5, 2009
With the swine flu and seasonal flu shot shortage, many people are going without important protection against flu viruses. Washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, and getting plenty of rest are all well-known methods of avoiding the H1N1 virus, and any other infection. But there are some new tips to prevent flu. This article lists several unique ways to boost immune system, avoid flu germs, and stay healthy this winter.
Tips to Prevent Flu by Avoiding Germ Contact
Getting tired of hearing the typical flu prevention advice such as, “Wash your hands frequently” or “Cover your cough”? Believe it or not, these simple tips will help many people avoid the swine flu, seasonal flu, and many other common viruses of winter. However, there are other ways to prevent contact with harmful germs and ultimately avoid the H1N1 virus. Try these new tips:
- At the doctor’s office or when using a credit card while shopping, sign with a pen from home
- Use that same pen for touch pads and keypads found at ATMs, gas stations, etc.
- Wear gloves or simply don’t touch light switches, doorknobs, railings, gas pumps, and public phones
- Bring antibacterial gels and wipes from home
- Don’t put purses down on bathroom surfaces
- Wipe down countertops, computer keyboards, the computer mouse, and phone receivers at work often
- Browsing for holiday gifts? So is everyone else! Wear gloves or shop online instead
- At all costs, avoid touching nose, mouth, and eyes until hands are washed
Unique Ways to Boost Immune System, Prevent Spread of Infection
Taking a good multivitamin, eating right, drinking fluids, and getting rest will all be effective ways to boost immune health and bestow the fighting power one needs to avoid swine flu, colds, and other viruses. But there are some unique ways to boost immune system that many may not think of. Try these methods of staying healthier:
- Since swine flu incubation is typically two to three days, gargle with warm salt water (or medicated mouth wash) twice daily to prevent the spread of germs in the body.
- Clean the nasal passages once per day with warm salt water. Use a neti pot or sinus rinse kit readily available in drug stores.
- Clear the sinuses regularly by blowing nose.
- Use salt-water (saline) nasal sprays to keep nostrils moist. Dry nasal passages are more susceptible to virus germs.
- Swipe outside of nostrils with cotton ball dipped in warm salt water.
- Drink warm liquids such as tea, apple cider, or chicken broth. All of these will boost immune health. Additionally, tea is high in antioxidants, and apple cider contains a healthy dose of vitamin C.
- Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and dark green leafy vegetables.
- Walk and/or exercise often.
- Use warm or cool mist humidifiers in the house to lessen dryness during winter months.
Prevent flu and H1N1 virus from spreading this winter season by trying these new tips and unique ways to boost immune system, avoid germs, and stay healthy while waiting for swine flu vaccination/nasal spray to become available. By using common sense in public areas, keeping hands off the face, and using salt-water rinses for nasal passages and throat, a person may be able to keep the swine flu and many other common viruses at bay.
Readers may also be interested in Alternative Cold Remedies for Children.
Disclaimer: In the matter of general health, or if flu symptoms exist, one should always consult a physician before changing diet or trying new methods of treating illness.
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