Swine Flu
The world is dealing with a serious flu pandemic; there have been 58 deaths from H1N1 this year in Canada and it is forecast to get worse in the coming months. Governments are taking action to protect at risk populations from the worst outcomes of contracting the virus. Flu vaccines are effective in treatment if administered in the first 48 hours. What general actions can individuals take to protect them and ensure that they remain healthy through a potential infection?
Practice prevention. It's simple and it works. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or your sleeve. Hands should be washed thoroughly and regularly with soap and water. The Public Health Agency of Canada tips for hand washing include:
- Remove all rings when washing hands
- Use liquid soap- bar soap stays wet and attracts germs
- Rub your hands together with soap for 20 seconds to produce a lather making sure to get between your fingers, under your nails and the back of your hands
- Rinse the soap from your hands with running water for at least 10 seconds
- Dry your hands with a single use paper towel or change the hand towel daily
Get healthier—fast. The two most important components to generally improving your health are diet and sleep. The foods we eat provide our bodies with the ingredients our immune systems need to help prevent or fight infection. Clean up your diet and only take in the appropriate amount of calories. Choose foods which help to support the immune system such as a wide variety of vegetables. Make good sleep a priority- this is the time our bodies can recover and heal allowing us to be as healthy as possible. A regular bedtime and getting enough sleep to wake feeling rested are important. Your whole life will become easier to manage once you are well rested. Try it for a week- you will be impressed with yourself.
A healthier body fights infection better. There are reports of swine flu having devastating effects on aboriginal populations with high rates of diabetes. However, its effects on typically low risk populations are reported to be more severe than typical flu infections. The get healthier mandate is important for all of us.
Consult with Dr. Nardella regarding concerns with improving your immune system.
