Flu Prevention, Symptoms and Facts

Looks like the main Swine Flu epidemic is officially over

The handle of a shopping cart is the perfect place to pick up germs.

With dozens of people a day using the same cart and children often sucking on the handle, be sure to clean off the handle before using with disposable wipes (most grocery stores have a container of these by their shopping carts - check yours).

Keep a small supply of antibacterial wipes with you just in case.

If you have small children take extra attention on cleaning off the handle and around the area where they may sit.

Research has shown that people who consume high quantities of quercetin are less likely to come down with the flu or catch a cold. Also if you catch the flu or a cold it will usually be much less severe.

Ok, so where can you find quercetin?

In the fruit & veggie section of your favorite grocery store.
Foods high in quercetin are:
Red onions - cooked or raw - red onion is the food with the highest quercetin concentration
Broccoli
Lettuce
Spinach
Blueberries
Apples

If a pandemic does break out you may need to stay home for an extended amount of time. You will want to keep on hand necessities for your family that will last approximately 2-3 weeks.
Remember too, that if the caregiver in the family gets the flu they will not be able to shop so start stocking up on the items that your family uses on a daily basis so that you do not run out. If you purchase them slowly it will be more affordable.
These will be foods that you can store and not food that needs refrigeration.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started - then think about what your family likes and uses:
Baby food
Diapers
Pet food
Prescribed medicines
Feminine hygiene products
Peanut butter/ crackers/ chips - snack foods
2 week supply of food for each person
Canned foods - meats/ fish /veggies/ fruit
Toilet paper
Soap - shampoo - laundry detergent
Over the counter medications such as pain relievers and fever reducers
Water for 3 days - this is always nice to have on hand for cases of emergency
Batteries

It's a good idea to keep a box of disposable gloves in your home that the caregiver can use when taking care of a family member with the flu.

This all depends on the type of mask you use and if you remember to change masks often.

Health experts are saying that those who come in close contact with known swine flu patients should wear high filtration masks like those used by health professionals.

Be sure that the mask fits snugly (and no gaps around the nose or mouth)

The CDC recommends N95 masks

Remember that even if you wear a mask you should avoid long contact with a person who may have the flu. After each visit you should dispose of the mask by sealing it up in a plastic bag and then wash your hands thoroughly.

If you do purchase a face mask purchase one that is of a heavier gauge material (these will often cost $3-5 ) and look for one that holds it shape when placed on a table.
Also if possible use a face mask that has a metal piece around the nose so that you can fit it snugly around your nose keeping the virus out.

A quality face mask is not cheap. Expect to pay around $3-5 for one and a multi pack will have the cost coming in around $1.25 each.

Look for a mask that states "medical grade", "flu protection", "medical mask", "N95" or "N95 Respirator/Flu Mask", then see if it is shown on the product box to have a 3D shape (to fit snugly against your face).

So if plain flimsy face masks do not work that well why do they give them out at doctor's offices during cold & flu season?

These masks are just worn for just a short time (usually 30 minutes or less) & they do not have time to stretch & gap. For a very short time period these will give you more protection than no mask at all.

When you cough be sure to cover your mouth with a tissue or cough into the crook of your elbow - not on to your hands.

If you were to cough in to your hand then touch a handle, keyboard, cell phone etc. the next person who touches the same area will pick up your germs. You may not show signs of the flu but you still may be carrying the flu virus.

Cough
Fatigue
Chills
Fever
Sore Throat
Body Aches
Headache
Also sometimes Diarrhea and Vomiting

You may have just 1 or more symptoms

The Average Duration Of The Flu is 7 Days

The CDC back on December 19th 2008, stated in an official CDC Health Advisory that "Although influenza activity is low in the United States to date, preliminary data from a limited number of states indicate that the prevalence of influenza A (H1N1) virus strains resistant to the antiviral medication oseltamivir is high.

Therefore, CDC is issuing interim recommendations for antiviral treatment and chemoprophylaxis of influenza during the 2008-09 influenza season. When influenza A (H1N1) virus infection or exposure is suspected, zanamivir or a combination of oseltamivir and rimantadine are more appropriate options than oseltamivir alone."
You may read the full advisory here --> CDC

CIDRAP on Tamiflu