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RISING WOMEN EXPERT ADVICE...
What can I do to protect myself from catching Influenza A (H1N1)?
Similar to all seasonal influenza, this new influenza virus, also known as
the Swine Flu, seems to be transmitted by exchange of fluids such as through
speaking, sneezing or coughing. Aside from avoiding large crowds or people
who are showing signs of having a cold or flu, the best protection you have
is to keep your hands clean. Make it a habit to wash your hands frequently
with soap and hot water or use an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis.
You can pick up antibacterial foams and gels at just about any grocer,
health food store, etc. It is also important that you avoid touching your
mouth and nose. You can never know what bacteria is on your hands no matter
how much your cleanse them; keep you hands away from your face!
It is suggested that you do a thoroughly wipe down of items around your home
and office that are used by more than one person. Keep a container of “wet
naps” handy by the phones, near items that have handles such as the
microwave or fridge, in the bathrooms, etc., and encourage everyone to wipe
before using and then wipe after.
Whether at home or at the office, it is recommended that you allow air to
flow through the rooms. Open the windows once in a while to gather fresh air
from outside.
If you are living with someone who has come down with a cold or flu, take
extra precautions. Make sure you keep everyone in the home at least two to
three feet away from the ill person. If you need to get closer, cover your
mouth and nose. It probably isn’t a bad idea to pick up a box of paper masks
and rubber gloves, especially if you are caring for young children where you
need both hands free. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after each
contact with the ill person and never reuse the gloves, mask or cloths.
It is especially important for you and your family to build up your immune
system. The supplements that you should be taking daily include a high
quality mulit-vitamin. Make sure it has high amounts of vitamins C, E and
Beta-Carotene or buy these vitamins separately. You also need a good quality
probiotic. You want to be sure that your intestinal micro-flora is balanced
because imbalance reaps havoc on our immune system.
To your diet, add more protein and vegetables, and make sure that you wash
your vegetables throughly before cooking with them. And finally, keep
hydrated by drinking loads of water.
To have your questions answered by our line-up of Experts, email us at
experts@risingwomen.com Visit
our “article archives” at
www.risingwomen.com
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