How to avoid Swine Flu or H1N1

By Dr. Shital Raval

How to avoid Swine Flu or H1N1

• Wear a face mask when stepping out of the house.
• Avoid crowded places.
• Stay away from people who have a cough or cold.
• Practice good hand hygiene, wash hands often. Carry a hand sanitizer with you always.
• Avoid catching a cold by taking a multivitamin daily, avoiding stepping out early morning and late night
• Eat healthy.  
• Drink plenty of water and fluids.
• Use disposable tissues instead of towels or handkerchiefs.
• Ask your doctor about taking the H1N1 vaccination. 

If you suspect you have a cold or swine flu.

• Contact your local doctor for a consultation immediately
• Get a swine flu test done immediately.
• Take medication as suggested by your doctor (he may prescribe Tamiflu if swine flu detected)
• Stay hydrated and drink lots of boiled water and warm fluids.
• Rinse your mouth with warm saline water twice a day.
• Take hot steam or use a neti-pot to open up the airways.
• Avoid direct contact with family members, especially senior citizens, children and pregnant women.
• Practise good hygiene and use surgical mask, gloves, hand sanitizer and tissues whenever possible.
• Avoid travel (especially in public transport) and physical or mental exertion.
• Take time off from work or school and stay home.
• Get good rest, and eat healthy.
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use any illicit drugs.