Swine Flu Treatment

According to Mexican officials, swine flu has been transmitted through human-to-human contact, so it is no longer a disease that can be avoided by staying away from pigs.  The most important thing is to take all the precautions necessary for preventing transmission in order to protect yourself from this harmful and potentially deadly pandemic.  

As I've already written, the options for swine flu treatment at the moment are limited and that is why PREVENTION is by far the most effective way to protect yourself at this moment.  If you turn on the news at the moment you may see people in Mexico City wearing surgical masks. That is because the flu can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, hands, and even smoke exhalation.   

Humans DO NOT have natural immunity to the Swine Flu.  This virus is a new strain and CANNOT be dealt with in the same way as the seasonal flu.  Make sure to go to a doctor or call the Department of Health's Hotline (800-808-1987) for more information before you proceed to do anything.

Below are the best things you can do to prevent yourself from becoming infected with swine flu (H1N1):

1. The MOST important thing to do to prevent swine flu infection is to WASH YOUR HANDS as often as possible.  When I used to work in a restaurant, they always said that in order to effectively wash your hands you need to be able to sing happy birthday twice through in your head before you are finished.  And remember, SOAP IS NOT AN OPTION.  (I'll be writing more about handwashing later)
   
2. If there is an outbreak in your city or area, make sure to avoid places where people tend to gather.  In Mexico city they have shut down schools, business, and public events.  It is in your best interest to stay away from public areas, particularly those areas where large amounts of people are coming from outside (airports, train stations, bus stations, etc.).
3. It is good to have Tamiflu or Relenza but there is possibility that these will not be effective in treating the disease.
4. You've probably seen people wearing masks in the news.  Make sure to buy some surgical masks for you and your children/friends/relatives.  Have extra supplies of them and make sure to wear them at all times when in public.  However, regular paper masks are INEFFECTIVE AT PREVENTING UNINFECTED INDIVIDUALS FROM THE VIRUS.  The masks are meant to prevent infected individuals from spreading the disease.  You will want to get N95 disposable respirators (click this link for a list of respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

These are the primary methods of preventing swine flu (and any type of flu).  If you are in an at risk area, please take the above precautions and BE SAFE!