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H1N1 TIPS
From the Diocese of Cleveland Superintendent of Catholic Education:
Common Sense Precautions for Dealing with the H1N1 Virus
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand washing (well highlighted in all official communications)
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach: Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat or bathe).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that they also have zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
These are common things that you can do and maybe stay alive because you did them.
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Reyes Syndrome: Kids and Aspirin Products (including Pepto-Bismol!) DON'T Mix!
The National Reye's Syndrome Foundation is directing schools to go to the foundation's website and download literature and materials needed to continue the Reye's Syndrome Awareness Program.
This saves both money and time because the information is there waiting for you when and as you need it!
This year, with H1N1 a threat to our children, it is more important than ever to remind parents that Kids and Aspirin Products DON'T mix!
Go to: www.ReyesSyndrome.Org/schools.html for more information or call the help phone line at 800-233-7393.
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