How to Protect yourself from Swine Flu

Swine flu in India & all over world is spreading like wildfire, taking the toll to six. Officials say  there are currently more than 800 cases of the H1N1 flu strain in India. Governments from all around the world are finding ways to combat this deadly disease. So what can you do to protect yourself? Stay calm and practice these 10 effective prevention tips.

Swine Flu Symptoms

The swine flu symptoms reported  when  infected  with the swine flu are similar to the symptoms of the  influenza virus  most are familiar with.   The good news is that most people who become  infected will do fine and will not have any long term complications.    Those who are immune compromised, older  or pregnant may be at higher risk of complications or serious respiratory illness.  The most common swine flu symptoms include:

• -Cough
• -Congestion
• -Nasal Congestion
• -Nausea/Vomiting
• -Diarrhea
• -Body aches
• -Joint Pains
• -Fevers
• -Sore throat
• -Headaches
• -Fatigue
• -Decreased energy
• -Rarely death in more severe cases, especially from pneumonia.

Transmission

The viral  infection is transmitted  to humans  who are in contact with swine, although there are several cases of swine flu in people who had no known exposure to either infected people or pigs.   Once the species barrier is crossed,  human to human  transmission can occur  with casual contact or airborne transmission, like  when one sneezes or coughs.   Eating pork products will not cause one to develop the swine flu.  Basically, this flu is passed from one person to another like any cold of flu infection.

How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

•   -Fast breathing or trouble breathing
•   -Bluish skin color
•   -Not drinking enough fluids
•   -Not waking up or not interacting
•   -Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
•   -Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
•   -Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• -Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• -Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• -Sudden dizziness
• -Confusion
• -Severe or persistent vomiting

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

How to Protect Yourself From Swine Flu ?

What Precautions to take to keep Swine Flu away ?

1. Wash your hands frequently

Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.

2. Get enough sleep

Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.

3. Keep hydrated

Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

4. Boost your immune system

Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.

5. Keep informed

The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.

6. Avoid alcohol

Apart from being a mood depressant, alcohol is an immune suppressant that can actually decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu. So stay away from alcoholic drinks so that your immune system may be strong.

7. Be physically active

Moderate exercise can support the immune system by increasing circulation and oxygenating the body. For example brisk walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week will significantly perk up your immunity.

8. Keep away from sick people

Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or sneeze reach someone else’s nose. So if you have to be around someone who is sick, try to stay a few feet away from them and especially, avoid physical contact.

9. Know when to get help

Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.

10. Avoid crowded areas

Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside. Moreover, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

And finally here is the video shows you how to protect yourself from swine flu.

Sources : Yahoo News, Sify & Youtube