Tips to prevent illness caused by H1N1 and other viruses
How to keep your family from getting really sick, and how to prevent spreading, a cold, the flu (including the H1N1, or swine flu, strain), and other illnesses caused by viruses. From hand washing to breastfeeding to staying home to vaccines, the 10 best ways to stay healthy or lessen the severity of symptoms!
President Obama just (as of October 24, 2009) declared the H1N1 a national emergency. Please do what you can to keep yourself and everyone around you from spreading these viruses. It might be making up missed work or school work, but it's more important to not spread the virus.
Before I go on....
.... I have to make the disclaimer that this isn't medical advice. Technically, it is, but it cannot be used in place of a real MD or other trained and licensed doctor. These tips are are to help prevent the spread of viruses causing illness, not cures or guarantees. They are common sense ideas that you may already be using, or may not know about!
If you suspect you or a family member is ill, please call your doctor.
If you liked this lens, please leave a message at the bottom and give a star rating! Thanks!
If you suspect you or a family member is ill, please call your doctor.
If you liked this lens, please leave a message at the bottom and give a star rating! Thanks!
Tips at a glance
Each of the tips take up some space, so here's a quick table of contents to scan through.
Did you know there's a correct way to wash your hands?
Your first defense against germs. Don't spread them with dirty hands!
In the 25 years that I can remember seeing people in public rooms washing their hands, I'd guess less than 10% use soap and less than 1% have the soap on their hands more then 5 seconds.Many families can't use antibacterial soaps because of allergies to triclosan or other ingredients, but regular soap is *just fine* - really. It's not the type of soap you use, it's how long and how well you wash with it.
Your first step to washing your hands is to use warm water if you can. Get your hands went and apply soap.
Now work the soap into a good lather and scrub over every surface of your hands and fingers, to your wrist (or higher if needed). Do this for a full 20 seconds. Yes, it takes time. But really - it's 20 seconds. Count backwards, it goes quicker (or seems to).
Rinse your hands completely, you want the germs off you and down the drain! Pay attention here - don't turn the water off yet! Grab a towel if it's available, dry your hands, THEN turn the water off with the towel. Remember, you turned the water on with dirty hands, if you touch the faucet, you're reintroducing the germs back to your hands. If towels aren't available, use a minimal amount of surface area (like the tip of your finger) to turn off the water.
If you're in a public restroom, open the door with the towel you used. If none are available and the door swings out, use your shoulder. If it swings in, again use a minimal amount of surface area to open the door.
Teach your children to do the same. 20 seconds can be a long time to little ones, but have them sing a song, like Happy Birthday a time or two (hey, the CDC suggested that) can make it less a chore!
Hand soap, get your hand soap!
Stock up on hand soap so you don't run out during a viral outbreak (when local stores are likely to be out).
Avon NATURALS Peach Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap Peach
Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 11/27/2009) 
Hugo Naturals Liquid Hand Soap, Grapefruit , 12-Ounce Bottle (Pack of 2)
Amazon Price: $13.40 (as of 11/27/2009)
Pre de Provence Soap, with Hand Cream, Milk, Natural, 6.6 ounces Bag
Amazon Price: $17.00 (as of 11/27/2009)
Making Natural Liquid Soaps: Herbal Shower Gels / Conditioning Shampoos / Moisturizing Hand Soaps
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 11/27/2009)
Summertime Aromatherapy Liquid Hand Soap/ Natural Liquid Glycerin Hand Soap
Amazon Price: $7.39 (as of 11/27/2009)
Spreading the germs around work and school
One person, or the whole school or job department?
This is kind of an odd one for the list, because it's not about keeping YOU from getting sick, it's about keeping you from spreading it. But if someone else follows this advice, it is keeping you from getting sick!
If you're sick and there's any chance you're contagious, make an effort to not spread it. Keep the kids home, stay home from work. Arrange to have the kids do make up school work. See if you can do some work from home, or if you can schedule a day to make up for it.
While there's a good chance you picked up the virus from your workplace, or your child's school, there's no reason to keep spreading it.
Not only that, but you need to rest to get better. A stressed body does not heal as well as a rested one. Sometimes you need a doctor's note, so arrange a doctor's visit for that if needed, but otherwise, just rest.
WHO agrees: Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.
Breastfeed
The antibodies in breastmilk are pure awesome
If you have a nursling, the best thing you can do for them is keep nursing!
The exception to this is if you have to take a medicine or have a procedure done that is unsafe for the little one. Often though, if you need an antibiotic, a competent doctor can find a safe drug for you to take. Occasionally this isn't possible, but it is wise to get a second opinion.
WHO says this: Studies on other influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for babies - it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease. Breastfeeding provides the best overall nutrition for babies and increases their defense factors to fight illness.
The exception to this is if you have to take a medicine or have a procedure done that is unsafe for the little one. Often though, if you need an antibiotic, a competent doctor can find a safe drug for you to take. Occasionally this isn't possible, but it is wise to get a second opinion.
WHO says this: Studies on other influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for babies - it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease. Breastfeeding provides the best overall nutrition for babies and increases their defense factors to fight illness.
Make breastfeeding as enjoyable as possible!
The Nursing Mother's Companion: Revised Edition
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 11/27/2009)
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Seventh Revised Edition (La Leche League International Book)
Amazon Price: $13.00 (as of 11/27/2009)
Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/27/2009)
Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover, Mint Chocolate
Amazon Price: $35.00 (as of 11/27/2009)
The ABCs of Breastfeeding: Everything a Mom Needs to Know for a Happy Nursing Experience
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 11/27/2009)
Face masks
Keep the germs in, or out
If you are sick and have to go out (even to the doctor, because the people at the doctor's don't want what you have), wear a face masks that are rated to keep virus particles from going through.You can also wear face masks if H1N1 or other flu viruses are spreading in your area, to minimize your exposure.
Face Masks through Amazon
Disposable EARLOOP Face MASK, Filters Bacteria 3 Ply - (Box of 50)
Amazon Price: $6.89 (as of 11/27/2009)
Motex Flat Shape Surgical Face Mask, Earloop, 3 Ply, Box of 50, No Polybag
Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 11/27/2009)
(Size M: 9.25cm X 14.5cm) Unique "Diamond Shape" Face Mask By Motex, Earloop, 3 Ply, Box of 50, No Polybag
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 11/27/2009)
Kimberly Clark #47117 Yellow Face Mask- W/Earloops 50ct - 50 ct - FAST SHIPPING
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 11/27/2009)
ULTRAGUARD DISPOSABLE EARLOOP FACE MASKS - BOX OF 50 - 3 PLY
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 11/27/2009)
Good nutrition
A well nourished body can fight viruses better than a poorly nourished one
Water is better than soda and other sugary drinks.Fruits and vegetables are better than chips and other salty or sweet snacks.
Lean meats are better than fatty ones, and "junk meat" like hot dogs.
Use whole wheat bread, or at least a whole grain white with a good amount of fiber.
Stop eating out. Even "healthy" meals have much, much more fat, sodium and calories than their homemade counterparts.
If you don't eat any organics, consider at least making your produce organic. Fruits and vegetables absorb a lot of toxins.
Any time you make a purchase, look at it and see if there's a healthier alternative. Make it a daily practice to eat a little better. Your body will feel better, yes, but it will be able to fight off viral invaders easier as well.
Good hygene habits
Some of those weird and possibly gross habits? Quit it!
Keep your hands away from your face. Don't pick at your lips or your teeth. Don't pick your nose - use a tissue and blow your nose, then wash your hands!
Don't pick your kid's nose (yes, people really do that).
Wash your hands after using the bathroom and changing diapers.
Wash your hands after clipping yours, or anyone else's, nails (germs love the underside of your nails). Also, don't bite your nails. The germs under your nails goes right into your mouth.
When you cough or sneeze, do it into a tissue or your shoulder - not your hand or into the air, where the germs are more easily spread. If you used a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands.
Don't share your tooth brush and if possible, keep your family's brushes separated. You can (and probably should) sterilize your toothbrushes weekly, or more often, by soaking in Listerine, alcohol or peroxide.
Don't pick your kid's nose (yes, people really do that).
Wash your hands after using the bathroom and changing diapers.
Wash your hands after clipping yours, or anyone else's, nails (germs love the underside of your nails). Also, don't bite your nails. The germs under your nails goes right into your mouth.
When you cough or sneeze, do it into a tissue or your shoulder - not your hand or into the air, where the germs are more easily spread. If you used a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands.
Don't share your tooth brush and if possible, keep your family's brushes separated. You can (and probably should) sterilize your toothbrushes weekly, or more often, by soaking in Listerine, alcohol or peroxide.
Stock up!
Kleenex, or facial tissues, tend to be an item that stores run out of very quickly in a virus scare. Stock up and don't worry about running out!
Kleenex White Pocket Tissue, 8 Pack
Amazon Price: $5.65 (as of 11/27/2009)
![Kleenex Ultra Soft Facial Tissues, 85-Count Upright Box (Pack of 27) [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512ffOdQ5%2BL._SL75_.jpg)
Kleenex Ultra Soft Facial Tissues, 85-Count Upright Box (Pack of 27) [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]
Amazon Price: $49.00 (as of 11/27/2009)
Kleenex® Facial Tissue - 10/200ct boxes
Amazon Price: $27.80 (as of 11/27/2009)
![Kleenex 110-Count Tissues, White, Flat Box (Pack of 30) [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41LMiSS-FhL._SL75_.jpg)
Kleenex 110-Count Tissues, White, Flat Box (Pack of 30) [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]
Amazon Price: $37.29 (as of 11/27/2009)
![Kleenex Facial Tissue With Lotion, 3-Ply Tissues, Case Pack, Twelve 3 Packs, 130 Tissues Each (36 Packs) [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PDAD8DYWL._SL75_.jpg)
Kleenex Facial Tissue With Lotion, 3-Ply Tissues, Case Pack, Twelve 3 Packs, 130 Tissues Each (36 Packs) [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]
Amazon Price: $73.68 (as of 11/27/2009)
Overall health
Along with good nutrition and hygiene, there's other things to think about to keep your body in top shape to fight viruses
Exercise. Get your heart pumping (with your doctor's approval if you are very out of shape or have medical conditions) a couple times a week.
Oral health - you're sterilizing your toothbrushes now, right? Use them daily along with a good germ fighting mouthwash like Listerine and literally keep the germs out of your body. Make sure to brush for 2-3 minutes and use mouthwash for 30 seconds! And don't forget to floss. If you need to visit the dentist, get those cavities taken care of sooner than later - they are breeding ground for germs to hide in.
Oral health - you're sterilizing your toothbrushes now, right? Use them daily along with a good germ fighting mouthwash like Listerine and literally keep the germs out of your body. Make sure to brush for 2-3 minutes and use mouthwash for 30 seconds! And don't forget to floss. If you need to visit the dentist, get those cavities taken care of sooner than later - they are breeding ground for germs to hide in.
Learn more about your health
Staying Healthy With the Seasons
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/27/2009)
Oh the Things You Can Do That Are Good for You!: All About Staying Healthy (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library)
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 11/27/2009)
Staying Healthy with Nutrition, rev: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine
Amazon Price: $24.75 (as of 11/27/2009)
Eat Right 4 Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer & Achieving Your Ideal Weight
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
![Eat Right for Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer and Achieving Your Ideal Weight [EAT RIGHT FOR YOUR TYPE 3D]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51juk2rKB3L._SL75_.jpg)
Sodium Ascorbate
It's powdered, buffered, Vitamin C and it's good for your immune system!
Vitamin C has 2 huge things going for it: one is it is water soluble and safe in very large quantities and the other is that it helps boost your immune system naturally so you can fight of any viruses your body needs help with.The time to take Vitamin C is when you get the first sniffles, sinus pain, cough, or fever. Don't wait til you're really sick! You can also take it when someone in your house or office gets ill, to help boost your immune system's response, lessening the chance of getting sick, though it's more likely you just won't get *as* sick.
Disclaimer: Vitamin C increases the amount of iron your body absorbs, so be careful if you take supplements, and don't take the Vitamin C for long. If you are on prescription iron supplements, talk to your doctor and consider skipping this part.
Natural health food stores and Amazon (see the link below) carry the best form of Vitamin C called Sodium Ascorbate. Ascorbate Acid may also be available and it is ok to use, but it can be hard on the stomach as it isn't buffered. Sodium Ascorbate has sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) for a buffering agent. Just eating fruit will not give you enough to keep you from getting ill.
The best way to take Sodium Ascorbate is to add it to fruit juice, especially citrus juices that are already tart, because Sodium Ascorbate is very sour!
You can also get vitamin c in drink powders like Emergen-C or Nature Made's Immuni-C.
The amount you take depends on the person, but it's safe to take amounts up until what is called "bowel tolerance", which means until it makes your bowel movements (poop) runny. Some places on the web will suggest that really massive doses (100g - that's 100 grams, not 100mg/milligrams) are the only way to go, but most people find that starting out at 500mg-2g every couple hours until their poop gets soft and runny is what helps. In children 2-8 years old, start with 500mg every couple hours (make sure to put it in a drink they like!) and watch for the soft poop.
Once the poop is soft, give the same amount, but double the time between doses. Maintain the slightly runny poop for just a day, maybe 2. If the person gets uncomfortable from that, just stop the doses all together.
Buy Sodium Ascorbate on Amazon!
Nature Made Immuni-C Vitamin Drink Mix 36 Tangerine and 36 Rapberry - Total 72 Packets
Amazon Price: $20.95 (as of 11/27/2009)
Emergen-C Vitamin C Fizzy Drink Mix, 1000 mg, Super Orange, 0.3 Ounce Packets (Pack of 36)
Amazon Price: $14.65 (as of 11/27/2009)
Source Naturals Sodium Ascorbate Buffered C Crystals, 16 ounce
Amazon Price: $14.78 (as of 11/27/2009)
What about immunzations!
Should you get a vaccine?
As of this writing, WHO has recommended vaccine development begin - the vaccine for the H1N1 virus is in production - a vaccine has been developed, produced and distributed throughout various regions of the world. Because of many factors there is a "shortage" of the vaccine, meaning not everyone who wants one can get it. So it is imperative that you take other precautions to avoid getting and spreading H1N1 and the seasonal fluMake sure to keep yourself healthy by following the other tips! Often a vaccine will only lessen the severity of symptoms, so prevention is still smart!
---------------------
Here's some Q&A from the CDC:
Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu?
The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu.
Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?
Inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine can be administered at the same visit as any other vaccine, including pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Live 2009 H1N1 vaccine can be administered at the same visit as any other live or inactivated vaccine EXCEPT seasonal live attenuated influenza vaccine.
---------------------
Flu vaccines only work to prevent illness caused by the strain they were created with.
Some people choose not to vaccinate, and some choose to selectively vaccinate. Most will be interested in getting a flu vaccine.
Depending on the demographic, any flu vaccine can be between 30-90% effective in preventing or lessening the symptoms of the flu. According to the CDC, they are 70-90% effective in healthy people under 65. In the elderly not in group care settings as well as those with chronic conditions, there is a 30-70% effectiveness rate. For those in group care, like a nursing home, it is 50-60% effective in preventing hospitalization and 80% effective in preventing death.
The flu shot should not be given to those with a history of serious adverse effects, allergies to eggs, or those with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
There is no vaccines for colds (also caused by a virus).
More on the flu vaccine
For more information about flu vaccines
- CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Q & A: *Seasonal* Flu Shot
- Influenza Website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- CDC H1N1 Flu | Q&A H1N1 Influenza Vaccine
- Influenza Website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Educate yourself
and make sure you use common sense with that education
Dancing around the maypole in the moonlight naked on the 3rd night after a full moon isn't going to cure anyone.
Use your common sense and educate yourself. Whether you believe every word the government, WHO and CDC says, or distrust anything from "the man", you have to understand that some "remedies" just won't work and might do more harm then good. If popular opinion says that something you are interested in is safe, then by all means, try it, but don't forgo well studied methods of treatment if you do get sick.
Children, the immunodeficient and the elderly at usually at most risk of complications and death from the flu, but WHO is saying that the H1N1 (swine flu) strain is hitting the healthy adult population hard too. Do what you can to prevent yourself from getting sick, but if you do get sick, do what you can to prevent it's spread and see a doctor if you feel too poorly. Don't be stubborn or worried about bills and delay getting yourself taken care of.
Use your common sense and educate yourself. Whether you believe every word the government, WHO and CDC says, or distrust anything from "the man", you have to understand that some "remedies" just won't work and might do more harm then good. If popular opinion says that something you are interested in is safe, then by all means, try it, but don't forgo well studied methods of treatment if you do get sick.
Children, the immunodeficient and the elderly at usually at most risk of complications and death from the flu, but WHO is saying that the H1N1 (swine flu) strain is hitting the healthy adult population hard too. Do what you can to prevent yourself from getting sick, but if you do get sick, do what you can to prevent it's spread and see a doctor if you feel too poorly. Don't be stubborn or worried about bills and delay getting yourself taken care of.
Resources
Some of the tips are my own information, some are supplemented from outside sources.
- WHO | What can I do?
- WHO pages with FAQs on the swine flu
- CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Cover Your Cough
- Influenza Website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- CDC Features - Wash Your Hands
- CDC tips for handwashing
From you, the reader
Has H1N1, the seasonal flu, or another virus impacted you this season? Have another tip to add? Just want to say hi?
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- EMILY EMILY Oct 28, 2009 @ 8:18 pm
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