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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, bathe
or slap).
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.
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and
Thyroid specialist), having clinical experience of over
20 years.
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