WEEKLY HEALTH BULLETIN October 31, 2009

MORE COMMON SENSE ADVICE ON FLU PREVENTION – WHETHER YOU GET VACCINATED OR NOT

“The only portals of entry [for the flu virus] are the nostrils and mouth/throat.
In a global epidemic of this nature, it is 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.”

- Dr. Vinay Goyal MBBS, DRM, DNB
Director Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Clinic
Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical care, Malad, India

The media devotes a great deal of attention to flu vaccines and Tamiflu for dealing with the H1N1 flu virus. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, there are some simple steps you can take in order to prevent proliferation and infection of the flu virus in your body. By the way, over 90% of the flu virus circulating in our population is H1N1.

#1) Gargle twice daily with warm salt water. H1N1 takes 2-3 days after it lands in your throat or nasal cavity to spread and cause symptoms (i.e. make you sick). Simple gargling prevents proliferation and is a smart and easy way to prevent proliferation and becoming ill. Gargling with salt water doesn’t actually kill the virus but it prevents its spread through the body. Mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in a few ounces of warm water then swish and gargle for 15 seconds. If you prefer, go with an antiseptic mouthwash like Listerine.

#2) Clean your nostrils once a day with warm salt water. If you are already adept at the use of Neti Pot, you’re set. If not, blowing your nose hard then swabbing out each nostril with a Q-Tip or cotton buds dipped in warm salt water does the trick.

#3) Drink as many warm liquids as possible. This has the same effect as gargling, only in the reverse direction. Warm liquids wash off the viruses and sweep them down into the stomach, where they cannot survive and proliferate. If you’re looking for a caffeine free option, try Rooibos Red Bush Tea. For sweetening add a teaspoon of black cherry, pomegranate or cranberry concentrate for a tasty anti-oxidant boost.

Alan Inglis MD
American Country Doctor