Don’t Kiss Pigs! – A Look at Swine Flu Prevention

Swine flu, the H1N1 influenza virus, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. This has caused many people to worry that the virus is unavoidable, that everyone is bound to catch it, and that there will be a high death toll. While many people are sure to be infected with the swine flu, it is not inevitable. In fact, with the right precautionary measures, H1N1 is almost completely avoidable.

The first step in swine flu prevention, which shouldn’t be a big issue for most of us, is don’t kiss pigs! The virus began as a strain of pig flu that somehow developed into a virus that could infect humans. While kissing pigs isn’t exactly the first step in prevention on most of our lists, it’s something that is probably good to keep in mind.

Here are some other important parts of swine flu prevention:

• Steer clear of crowded, high-traffic areas where viruses can run rampant
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose with unclean hands
• Wash hands often with antibacterial soap and hot water
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs on hands
• Get plenty of rest (yes, sleep!)
• Eat a healthy diet, especially fruits and vegetables

It is surprising how simple swine flu prevention can be. By avoiding crowded, high-traffic places when possible, the chance is lowered that a virus will be transmitted. Viruses can’t just sink in through your skin, they have to get in through an opening. Cuts and scrapes can be openings for viruses, but typically disease will enter via the mouth, nose or eyes, and is often placed in a position for infiltration by a person’s own hands. This is another reason to keep your hands very clean and to use a hand sanitizer.

People don’t often realize how important sleep is in the avoidance of disease. When your body is tired, all systems don’t function at their best, including the immune system. Defensive cells aren’t produced as quickly, they don’t reach points of attack as quickly, and your body’s defenses as a whole are lower when deprived of sleep. Diet is also very important, as the toxins you might eat in unhealthy food can contribute to the workload of the immune system. Healthy foods enhance the performance of the immune system and create an environment in your body where the immune system can run smoothly.

Swine flu prevention is really not as big an issue as most people think. By taking precautions that most of us should be taking anyway, it is simple so avoid infection. While we may still become infected, keeping up with good preventative measures will also keep us from spreading the disease, as well as helping us to get over the illness.