In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in
spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. It is important to
remember that each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and
more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes.
Flu is generally transmitted through the respiratory tract therefore the only portals of entry are the nostrils
and mouth/throat. There are few key precautions in order for everyone to stay healthy and to prevent proliferation
and aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections.
1. Increase your personal hygiene measures. Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water.
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or Listerine. H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat
or nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation.
4. Similar to above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water.
6. Drink warm, non-caffeinated liquids. Stay away from sugars, processed foods, and white flour.
7. If you have flue symptoms call your family doctor and please, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the
disease. Do not return until two days after your symptoms are gone.
About one to four days elapse between the time a person is infected and the onset of symptoms.
The common symptoms of the flu include:
Fever (usually high).
Headache
Muscle aches
Chills
Extreme tiredness
Dry cough or other respiratory symptoms
Runny nose may also occur but is more common in children than adults
Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may also occur but are more common in children than adults
