Swine flu or the H1N1 virus is a fast-spreading influenza that spreads from person-to-person through the cough or sneeze of infected people.
While swine flu is curable, a far better option is taking adequate steps to prevent its occurrence. Infants and young children, pregnant women, and people with weak immunity and other health disorders such as asthma and lung disease are more susceptible to swine flu and hence should take precautions.
How to Prevent Swine Flu Spread by Isolation
The basic precaution against swine flu is preventing the germs from spreading. The infected person needs to cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, then throw the tissue in the waste basket. This basic precaution blocks the major source of transmission of the swine flu germs.
Staying at home when sick, following public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures when the virus is rampant all contribute towards keeping the spread of this virus in check.
How to Prevent Swine Flu Spread Through Cleanliness
At times, the germs that emit from a sick person's cough or sneeze settle on objects such as utensils, and are transmitted when another person touches the object. Washing utensils with alcohol-based cleaners, and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating are the basic precautions against swine flu. Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth even after washing is an added precaution.
Other precautions include:
- avoiding public facilities that are prone to have swine flu germs
- avoiding crowds
- thoroughly cleaning fruits and vegetables immediately before consumption
How to Prevent Swine Flu Spread by Boosting Immunity
People with weak immunity are more susceptible to the swine flu virus. The body's immunity system weakens with less sleep, poor dietary habits and stress. Ways to boost immunity include:
- sleeping eight hours a day
- consumption of a nutritious diet rich in whole grains and vegetables
- avoiding greasy and fatty foods
- taking vitamin C supplements
- drinking up to ten glasses of water a day to flush out toxic impurities and help develop mucus in the nostrils that will keep the germs out
- leading an active lifestyle with plenty of exercises and workouts
- The symptoms of swine flu bear resemblance to regular flu, and it is important not to mistake the fever as regular flu.
Finally, although swine flu is a serious disease, there is no reason to panic. Prompt and proper treatment can cure the disease, and statistics indicate that the death rate from swine flu is much less than the death rate from many other commonplace diseases. Vaccination is now available for H1N1, making this disease a far lesser threat in the coming years.
Reference:
World Health Organization. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
Nayab Naseer - Nayab Naseer is a Post Graduate in Human Resource Management with 10+ years of corporate work experience. He is an extensive writer ...
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