Flu Prevention!! Good stuff here!!

One of my patients sent me some information on flu prevention.  It's some really good information that needs to be shared with the rest of my patients, especially since I went on a rant earlier in the year about the Swine Flu "Epidemic" (see earlier blogs).  Flu season is approaching, so follow these rules to prevent a nasty outbreak!

Remember that flu CANNOT infect you through your skin.  It can only infect you through contact to your mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).  Once the virus lands there, it proliferates for 48-72 hours.  Thereafter, it becomes rather systemic and your symptoms appear.  There isn't much you can do once the symptoms appear except be sick until your body builds up the resistance to overcome the viruses effect.  That usually takes 24 hours to one week, depending on how strong the virus is or how weak your body defenses are.  Take precautions and stay well! 

1.  Frequent hand washing to stop spreading the virus.

2.  Keep your hands OFF YOUR FACE!  Resist all temptations to touch any part of your face (eating or bathing doesn't count, but wash before eating)!

3.  Gargle twice a day with warm salt water, Listerine, or some kind of antiseptic mouthwash.  A simple gargle with a sterilizing mouthwash will prevent the flu viruses proliferating in the mouth. 

4.  Similar to number 3: clean your nostrils out.  I do this once per day while in the shower.  I get a cupful of water in my hands and snort it right up my nose and then blow it right back out.  It's kind of disgusting, but how often have you come into the office and seen me with sinus trouble or the flu?

5.  Boost your natural immunity with foods rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits are the best).  We have Vitamin C here at the clinic for purchase, complete with zinc to boost absorption.

6.  Drink liquids, and plenty of them.  Warmer liquids are better than cooler ones.  Drinking liquid has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction.  The liquid will wash the viruses from the throat into the stomach acid where they can't survive or proliferate.  The stomach acid is an incredibly strong disinfectant.