Prevent Swine Flu without Getting the Vaccine
Practical Ways to Stay Healthy During the Flu Season
Oct 5, 2009
The flu season is underway and swine flu infections are already on the rise. According to the CDC’s weekly influenza surveillance report, nine out of the ten regions in the nation reported elevated influenza-like illnesses.
Both the seasonal flu vaccine and the new swine flu vaccine are FDA approved for use, but many are still wary of the possible negative side effects. It is important to know the pros and cons of the vaccine in order to make an educated decision whether or not to get it.
Here are several effective ways to guard against the disease, without getting the vaccine.
Get a Flu Protection Kit
Flu Protection Kits contain several items that can help guard against getting infected, especially if members of the house are already sick. They contain masks, gloves, sanitizer, and disposable thermometers and come in packs for individuals, couples and families. Visit FluGuardUSA for more information on these kits.
Wash Your Hands to Stop the Spread of Disease
The best way to stay healthy is to wash the hands frequently with soap and water. Use warm water when possible, and take the time to scrub every surface, including the backs of the hand. It’s the act of scrubbing that actually removes the dirt, grime, and germs.
If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make sure it has at least a 60% alcohol content.
Know how Antibiotics Affect Bacteria and Viruses
The widely popular antibacterial soaps have absolutely no effect on preventing the flu. Both the swine flu and the common seasonal flu are viruses. Antibiotics and antibiotic soaps are designed to kill bacteria, not viruses. They are two entirely different organisms.
In addition, bacteria can become resistant to the compounds found in antibiotic hand sanitizers. This makes it more difficult to kill bacteria in the future. Alcohol based sanitizers are best because the alcohol is able to kill both viruses and bacteria and doesn’t promote bacteria resistance.
Know How the Flu Enters the Body
Both the seasonal and swine flu can only cause infection if it enters the body through a mucous membrane. This most often occurs when a dirty hand touches the eyes, nose or mouth, or through droplets in the air caused by a cough or sneeze.
Make it a personal rule: do not touch the eyes, nose or mouth. Also be mindful of sharing silverware and beverages with those who may be sick. This will greatly decrease the chance of infection. Also use a tissue to cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing or sneeze into the fabric of a sleeve or jacket.
Over all, the most effective way to reduce infection this flu season is to wash the hands and not to touch the eyes, nose or mouth. Even the highly infectious swine flu cannot leap from the hands into the body. For those who do choose to get vaccinated, these tips still apply.
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