We are entering the cold and Flu season. Here are some tips to keep you and your care receiver healthy.
Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) does not kill the virus but prevents its spread until the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks, its natural cycle. H1N1, like other influenza viruses, infects only the upper respiratory tract and proliferates there. The ONLY points of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. It is almost impossible to avoid all contact with the virus, so follow the following basic precautions:
1. Frequent hand washing
2. Hands-off-the-face – resist the temptation to touch any part of your face unless you are eating or bathing
3. Gargle twice daily with warm salt water or Listerine. H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show symptoms. Gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy person that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this inexpensive, powerful preventative method.
4. Cleanse your nostrils at least once daily with warm salt water. Blow you nose hard and swab both nostrils with Q-tips dipped in warm salt water. This is effective in keeping the viral population down.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. If you are taking supplements, be sure that it has Zinc biflavonoids to boost absorption of Vitamin C.
6. Drink as many warm fluids as you can. Drinking warm fluids has the same effect as gargling but in the reverse direction. They wash proliferating viruses form the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate, or do any harm.
