Ways to Help Prevent the Swine Flu

Many are nervous about the spread of swine flu (especially mamas), also known as the H1N1 virus.  The CDC is expecting vaccines for the swine flu to be available sometime in October.

I am kind of nervous about giving my little ones a flu shot for this since they haven’t been available for too long and the long-term effects haven’t been shown or tested.  We are scheduled to get the regular influenza flu shots next week, but I am on the fence about the swine flu shot when it becomes available.

The symptoms of swine flu include runny or stuffy nose, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, headache, and fatigue.  Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.  So basically, the symptoms are the same as most flu symptoms. It would be nice if the symptoms were a little different so that we all don’t freak out when we start feeling badly and getting these common aches.  I guess we can’t ask for everything to be perfect.

For 100% prevention we could stay locked up our in homes, which isn’t feasible for this gal nor most of you.  So, below are some ways that we can all help minimize our risk.

The swine flu virus can survive on a surface (for example door knob) for 2-8 hours after it lands there.  Obviously we are going to come in contact with germs so the most important thing to do is to keep washing your hands before touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose.

Below are some tips to help prevent  getting sick with the swine flu and other viruses:

1.  Make sure you wash your hands frequently and do it for the full 20 seconds that is needed to really get rid of the germs.  One common suggestion is to sing the “Happy Birthday Song” twice.  I know that I have begun doing this myself — and yes, it is silly but just don’t sing it out loud. Also, experts report that regular soap and water works just as good, if not better, than the antibacterial soap.  So save your money and just wash with whatever soap you have available.

2.  When soap and water are not available, then the next best thing to use is hand sanitizer.  It is a good idea to carry hand sanitizer with you at all times.  Keep it in your handbag, car, desk, and any other convenient places.  According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), no hand sanitizer is indicated to prevent the swine flu, but you should always practice good hygiene.

3.  When grocery shopping, use the alcohol wipes that are provided to clean the push buggy railing, or carry some with you.

4.  Try to stay away from public items (escalator handrails) and water fountains during the flu season.  Experts report that water fountains are the most contaminated at the handle or push button since the stream of water flowing washes away the germs that are at the fountain part.

5.  If someone in the family does get the swine flu, make sure they pretty much stay in one room, or one part of the house so that germs aren’t spread to other family members easily.

6.  It is good practice to cough and sneeze into a tissue and then to wash your hands or use sanitizing hand gel.  If you don’t have a tissue, it is best to cough in the crook of your arm or shoulder instead of into to your hands to limit spreading the germs.  Teaching kids to cough and sneeze this way is a great way to instill this habit.

7.  If you have a large group over to your home, it is a good idea to use disinfectant spray or Lysol wipes to clean door knobs, sink knobs, and toys.  Also, you can provide your church nursery, child’s school, or other places your child frequents with Lysol spray and sanitizer.

8.  If you or a family member feels sick, then stay home as to not spread germs or the virus to others.

I hope that some of this was helpful and I hope that you and your family are healthy during this upcoming flu season.

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