PLEASE READ THIS AND BE WELL
Preventing infection with H1N1
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid
specialist), having clinical experience of over 20 years.
The following message given by him; I feel it makes a lot of sense and is
important for all to know.
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a
global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible not 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 under estimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with
warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at using a Neti pot, but
*blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton
swabs 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.
*If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also
has 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.
I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list; you never know who
might pay attention to it – and STAY WELL because of it -
