Can it be prevented?
Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to prevent
influenza when they are given to a person who is not
ill, but who has been or may be near a person with swine
influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs
are about 70% to 90% effective. When used for
prevention, the number of days that they should be
used will vary depending on a person’s particular
situation.
Follow this general procedure to reduce the risk of
catching or spreading the virus, you should:
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and
- sneezing, using a tissue
- Throw the tissue away quickly and carefully
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- Clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls)
- frequently with a normal cleaning product
- Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to
- keep from making others sick. Do not go to work or
- school while ill
- Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone,
- except to seek medical care or for other necessities.
- (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks,
- electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from
- being dehydrated
- Wear a facemask – if available and tolerable –
- when sharing common spaces with other
- household members to help prevent spreading the virus
- to others.
Source: CDC, National Health Service, UK website
Will it help to wear a mask?
Information on the effectiveness of facemasks and
respirators for decreasing the risk of influenza
infection in community settings is extremely limited.
So, it is difficult to assess their potential effectiveness in
decreasing the risk of Swine Flu virus transmission
in these settings. However, a well-fitted, FDA-approved
mask together with other preventive measures MAY
reduce the risk of contracting the flu. Those
who are sick or caring for someone who is ill
should consider using a mask or respirator if
leaving the house becomes necessary.
Source: CDC
What precautions should one take at home?
Two things - soap and water can reduce the chance
of infection by 30 per cent. All you need to do is
keep washing your hand with soap and water
frequently. Wash hands frequently with soap
and water or use alcohol-based hand cleaner
when soap and water are not available. Avoid
touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Eat healthy: Proteins are essential to help your
body maintain and build strength. Lean meat,
poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, and nuts
and seeds are good sources of protein.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends
that adults eat 50 grams of protein per day.
Pregnant and nursing women need more. By
eating foods high in protein, we also get the
benefit of other healing nutrients such as
vitamins B6 and B12, both of which contribute to
a healthy immune system.
Vitamin B6 is widely available in foods, including
protein foods such as turkey and beans as well
as potatoes, spinach, and enriched cereal grains.
Proteins such as meats, milk, and fish also
contain vitamin B12, a powerful immune booster.
Minerals such as selenium and zinc work to keep
the immune system strong. These minerals are
found in protein rich foods such as beans, nuts,
meat, and poultry.
Exercise: Regular exercise may help prevent the
flu. According to recent findings, when moderate
exercise is repeated on a near daily basis, there
is a cumulative immune-enhancing effect. That is,
your strong immune system can fight flu better.
When you exercise, your white blood cells -- the
blood cells that fight infections in the body -- travel
through your body more quickly, fighting bacteria and
viruses (such as flu) more efficiently. To maintain
good health, experts recommend at least 30 minutes of
aerobic activity such as walking, swimming, biking, or
running each day.
Source: Flu India website, CDC, WebMD
What precautions should one take at schools?
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- People who are sick with an influenza-like illness
- should stay home and keep away from others as
- much as possible, including avoiding travel,
- for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except
- to get medical care or for other necessities.
- (Fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
- when coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Source: CDC
Is it safe to travel?
Avoid traveling unnecessarily. However, if you must
travel, check how the country you're going to
handles swine flu. Although, the WHO doesn't recommend
travel restrictions, many countries have set up their
own H1N1 policies, and some travelers have been
screened or quarantined in other countries because
of swine flu concerns.
Source: WebMD.com
