OT..H1N1 prevention | Arthritis Information
Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).
The following message given by him, I feel 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 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, 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 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. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *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 (Amla and other citrus fruits). *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.
Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at the drug store and relatively inexpensive….under .
I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list. You never know 20 who might pay attention to it - and STAY ALIVE because of it.
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Thanks for this Teed...my daughter who is 15 has swine flu at the moment and we are being very cautious with cleanliness, hand washing etc....i have come down with a sore throat and feel nauseaus and achy. I hope its not the SFHi Teed,
A friend emailed me this, and I was considering posting this. You beat me to it.
Very Interesting, THANKS! Wouldn't have even thought of gargling with Salt water and a few of the others!Good advice. I do use a Neti pot several times a week but I think I'll go the qtip route while H1N1 is hanging out. LindyNeti pot twice a day - works wonders for me!
Thanks TO for the infoI am curious.. and NOT trying to start trouble.. but what is the source of this email>?
are we sure this is the proper procedure?
Can it be traced to a valid source..
I AM NOT trying to cause trouble.. I WANT TO BE SURE this is a good valid action to fight this flu.
thank you.
the reason being.... our bodies ARE salty already.. why would a little added salt up your nose be apreventative?? it's not making sense to me... thanks.Babs, actually it's pretty main stream medical advice and nothing odd about it. The advice is right on target. I'm not sure about the statment re: proliferation
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
[QUOTE=babs10]the reason being.... our bodies ARE salty already.. why would a little added salt up your nose be apreventative?? it's not making sense to me... thanks.[/QUOTE]
Using a neti pot without salt in the water hurts like hell. Like when you get pool water forced up your nose. It will also increase local swelling, which can contribute to sinus problems. Isotonic saline (same pH, % salt as in your body) doesn't hurt at all (actually feels good), so you can actually rinse out your nose. Hypertonic saline (a bit higher salt content than what's in your body) still doesn't hurt, and can actually reduce congestion temporarily, in addition to cleansing the nose and sinuses of pathogens, allergens and irritants.
I imagine swabbing the nose does pretty much the same thing.
At today's doctor's appointment he recommended "nasal pepper spray" not only as a counterirritant for headaches, but also for nasal/sinus congestion. When Bob went to pick it up at the pharmacy (it is not prescription but the office "called it in" along with some prescription only medications) the pharmacist told him that several doctors in the area are recommending it as an aid to reduce nasal viral load.
The spray hurts like hell a few moments, but then the more positive effects set in and it is surprising at how effective it is. I have used it twice today with a marked reduction the headache that has become my constant companion.
FWIW
thanks, LinB, Jas and Shug.... I have NO idea what is right about medical advice without alot of research, in that I am a FAR cry from a med pro.
Jas.. I do use my neti a few times a week.. but it doesn't work after congestion has already started.
and pepper spray.. sounds offensive but I would try it.
Your welcome.
[QUOTE=babs10]thanks, LinB, Jas and Shug.... ...
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