Swine Flu (H1N1) Prevention, Symptoms and Facts

T he World Health Organization said on 5-7-09 that up to 2 billion people could be infected by swine flu if the current outbreak turns into a pandemic.

The agency said a pandemic typically lasts two years. WHO believes that the N1H1 virus could slow down during the summer months and then pick up speed during the "normal" flu season this fall and winter.

Although the virus appears to be slowing we should not let our guard down and still take simple precautions, like washing our hands often.

Health officials state 50% of Americans could get swine flu this year (fall of 2009) and probably 90,000 Americans will die from it.

Add this to the average of 25% of Americans getting the seasonal flu and your chances are pretty good that you and your family members may be down with the flu this fall/winter.

I am hearing different numbers for other countries, but it appears that around 40-55% will get the Swine flu this flu season
If you are planning on preparing your family - now is the time.

TThe 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.

50%of Americans Will Get The Swine Flu

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.

No one is really sure what will become of the Swine Flu this flu season. All we know right now is that it is spreading like wildfire worldwide and it is not even flu season.

Read the first 45 pages of Survive Pandemic Flu (just click on the above book graphic) to learn the extraordinary story of pandemic influenza in the 20th century, and the public health ramifications brought on by the newly-emerging swine flu virus of 2009.

This is a story that every family needs to understand, so that they may prepare ahead of time, and be ready for any development in this ongoing threat.

Few people understand pandemic influenza, but this preview will help get you up to speed on the important points about this wily pathogen that will likely infect 2 billion people during the course of the next 12 months.

Read the first 45 pages now by clicking on the book above.
You owe it to yourself and your family.

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