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.
