Want to stay healthy and free from the swine flu? For most of us, simple hygiene and sanitary measures along with maintaining our overall health will do the trick. Here are some simple ways to AVOID getting the flu.
1. Stay away from people who are sick. This just makes sense. Encourage people who you work with to stay home if they get sick. Remember, most cases of swine flu are going to be mild and self-limited. Most people will get over the flu just fine with a few days off of work, resting and recuperating. So encourage your friends, family, and co-workers to act responsibly. If they are sick, they should not come to school or to work.
2. Wash your hands. Frequently. Your hands are a primary carrier of germs. Has someone else been sneezing into their hand, then typing at the keyboard you are now using? Are you touching a chair or something else that someone else just sneezed on? It won't be a problem if you wash your hands before transferring the virus to your face, and allowing it to get into your respiratory system.
3. Encourage people to use handkerchiefs. We all need to take personal responsibility not to spread the swine flu. Many healthy people can pass the virus along to others, without appearing sick. They just sneeze a few times a day for a few days, and that's it. But they could be the person that gets everyone else infected unless they use proper hygiene. Watch where you sneeze. Use a hanky. Wash your hands. Remember, a lot more people carry the virus without appearing to be sick, than actually come down with a severe case of the swine flu.
4. Laugh and stay positive. Don't just think positive thoughts, actually laugh. This helps us feel better and at the same time helps keep our respiratory system healthy. Yes, laughter works!
5. Eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep. When your overall health is good, you often can fight off a viral infection without missing a beat or even noticing that you have a touch of the flu. Sometimes the best offense is a good defense. Supplements sometimes can help (e.g. I take Mona Vie and Vitamin C) but eating good food is really all that's necessary. People in general know what food is good for them. They know what agrees with them, and what doesn't, but in general most of us need to focus on eating more vegetables. As far as exercise goes, try doing sit ups regularly and talking a nice walk every day if possible. And finally, in terms of sleep, most people do best with about 8 hours a day.
Take these measures, and you will greatly decrease your chances of getting the swine flu, and at the same time help protect your family and friends.
Resources:
Asimov Laughs Again - a nice collection of a wide variety of jokes
Flu: The Story Of The Great Influenza Pandemic - the story of the worst pandemic in history. This was before we knew so much about how important quarantine, hygiene, and sanitation were. This pandemic taught us some valuable lessons.
Every Man Should Carry a Handkerchief | The Art of Manliness - plus, using a handkerchief is "green" technology (in more ways than one)
