What is H1N1 and how can you avoid it?
Important tips and information on the Swine Flu Virus
Danielle Kraese
Issue date: 11/23/09 Section: Health
The H1N1 virus, also referred to as "Swine Flu," first surfaced in the U.S. during April of this year. The virus is thought to be spread amongst people through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces--much the same way that the seasonal flu is spread.
Symptoms of Swine Flu are also similar to that of the seasonal flu: fever, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills, headaches, fatigue, and in some cases even vomiting or diarrhea. The severity of illness from the H1N1 virus can vary greatly. For some, it may be minor and not acquire medical attention, but for others it has led to severe symptoms and even death.
People with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, asthma, and pregnancy, are more likely to experience complications from Swine Flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those afflicted with the virus may be contagious 24 hours before showing symptoms and contagious up to seven days afterward.
There is an H1N1 vaccine available, but people on both sides of the argument are debating its safety and effectiveness. New vaccines often raise concerns and controversies. Regardless of whether or not you have been vaccinated for Swine Flu, there are key steps that can be taken to reduce your risk of contracting it or any other illness.
Wash your hands. Germs can easily be picked up when you touch a foreign object and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Washing hands with soap and warm water is an important step in stopping the spread of germs. If this is not an option, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are another alternative.
Keep a safe distance from sick people. People who are sick are liable to spread their germs through the transmission of respiratory droplets, which are emitted through coughing, sneezing, and breathing. Try to keep a six-foot distance from anyone who is sick, as these respiratory droplets are not believed to be capable of traveling farther than this, according to Lisa Donohue, the Director of the University Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
Load up on vitamins. Vitamin C and D are both essential in warding off the flu. Vitamin C provides support for the immune system, and can be found in many fruits and vegetables, like oranges, strawberries, and broccoli. Sufficient levels of Vitamin D are said to serve as a strong defense against illness, and can be achieved by eating fortified milk, cereal or canned tuna. If these foods don't please your palate, you can also obtain vitamins C and D through supplements.
Have some garlic. This may sound like the equivalent of committing social suicide, but despite its pungent odor, there are incredible health benefits to raw, chopped garlic. It is recognized as promoting a healthy immune system, and it also acts as a powerful natural antibiotic. To avoid having unpleasant breath, you can also take garlic in a pill form, sparing yourself from the powerful stench.
Rest and Relax. When you put yourself under an excessive amount of stress, you put your immune system under stress as well. Find a way to allot yourself a sufficient amount of sleep at night. Seven to eight hours is enough for most adults, but teens and children need even more rest. During the day when life seems overwhelming, take a deep breath and try to destress. Your body will thank you.
Go for a run. Exercise is another way to give your body's immune system a boost. Keeping your body in motion will help to prevent you from finding yourself bedridden with the flu.
Symptoms of Swine Flu are also similar to that of the seasonal flu: fever, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills, headaches, fatigue, and in some cases even vomiting or diarrhea. The severity of illness from the H1N1 virus can vary greatly. For some, it may be minor and not acquire medical attention, but for others it has led to severe symptoms and even death.
People with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, asthma, and pregnancy, are more likely to experience complications from Swine Flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those afflicted with the virus may be contagious 24 hours before showing symptoms and contagious up to seven days afterward.
There is an H1N1 vaccine available, but people on both sides of the argument are debating its safety and effectiveness. New vaccines often raise concerns and controversies. Regardless of whether or not you have been vaccinated for Swine Flu, there are key steps that can be taken to reduce your risk of contracting it or any other illness.
Wash your hands. Germs can easily be picked up when you touch a foreign object and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Washing hands with soap and warm water is an important step in stopping the spread of germs. If this is not an option, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are another alternative.
Keep a safe distance from sick people. People who are sick are liable to spread their germs through the transmission of respiratory droplets, which are emitted through coughing, sneezing, and breathing. Try to keep a six-foot distance from anyone who is sick, as these respiratory droplets are not believed to be capable of traveling farther than this, according to Lisa Donohue, the Director of the University Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
Load up on vitamins. Vitamin C and D are both essential in warding off the flu. Vitamin C provides support for the immune system, and can be found in many fruits and vegetables, like oranges, strawberries, and broccoli. Sufficient levels of Vitamin D are said to serve as a strong defense against illness, and can be achieved by eating fortified milk, cereal or canned tuna. If these foods don't please your palate, you can also obtain vitamins C and D through supplements.
Have some garlic. This may sound like the equivalent of committing social suicide, but despite its pungent odor, there are incredible health benefits to raw, chopped garlic. It is recognized as promoting a healthy immune system, and it also acts as a powerful natural antibiotic. To avoid having unpleasant breath, you can also take garlic in a pill form, sparing yourself from the powerful stench.
Rest and Relax. When you put yourself under an excessive amount of stress, you put your immune system under stress as well. Find a way to allot yourself a sufficient amount of sleep at night. Seven to eight hours is enough for most adults, but teens and children need even more rest. During the day when life seems overwhelming, take a deep breath and try to destress. Your body will thank you.
Go for a run. Exercise is another way to give your body's immune system a boost. Keeping your body in motion will help to prevent you from finding yourself bedridden with the flu.