Simple Steps to Help Prevent the Flu

How to Avoid Catching Seasonal Influenza & Novel H1N1 Swine Flu

Sep 9, 2009
Tami Port

How to Prevent Catcing Swine Flu - Tami Port

Here is what the average person can do to protect him or herself from becoming ill with the flu, seasonal or the new H1N1 influenza pandemic virus.

Fall flu season is almost here, and with the combined impact of seasonal influenza and the new H1N1 swine flu virus, there is certainly plenty to be concerned about. Here are some basic steps to take in the prevention of influenza.

Difference between Seasonal Influenza and the New Swine Flu

This year there are two types of influenza to avoid. Seasonal flu is caused by an influenza virus that has been around for a while; one that the human body has experience defending itself against. Although it makes the rounds every year, people need to be revaccinated annually because this virus is constantly changing. Each year the new vaccine helps protect recipients from dangerous new features that the virus may potentially have developed.

The novel H1N1 swine flu is a virus that’s completely new to humans. Previously only affecting animals, H1N1 mutated in a way that suddenly allowed it to infect humans. This means that the human body does not already have the immunological weaponry to combat this novel virus.

Get Immunized for Influenza

Seasonal flu vaccines are currently available, and are recommended for children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with medical conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to influenza, such as the immune compromised and people with chronic respiratory disorders.

In contrast, the H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available sometime this fall. Although a shortage is not expected, supply and demand can be unpredictable, so the CDC is currently recommending that the first round of vaccinations target high risk groups, including pregnant women, caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel, children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people age 25 through 64 who are at higher risk due to chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Bottom line — One vaccine will not be sufficient to protect a person both from seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 swine flu. Get vaccinated for seasonal flu as soon as the that vaccine is available, and consult a health care provider regarding which family members should be getting the novel H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.

Hand Washing for Good Health

Vaccines help the immune system prepare for battling infection, but don’t prevent the virus from entering the body. In addition to getting vaccinated, good hygiene is one of the most powerful weapons against the flu.

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. An effective hand washing takes a little bit of time and effort. Once the hands are lathered up, the time required for a good wash is equivalent to about two versus of “Row, row, row your boat.” Keep hand sanitizer nearby for when washing with soap and water is not available.

Antiviral Medication

Antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, cannot be used to prevent the flu. These prescription medications are only for treatment, when necessary.

When Sick With Cold or Flu

If you think you have the flu, stay home to avoid spreading the virus, and contact you health care provider. Be sure, when coughing and sneezing to do so into fabric, such as a sleeve or tissue, rather than into hands that can easily spread viral particles.

Overall, there are many active measure a person can take to be on the offensive against influenza. See the Centers for Disease Control CDC 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu web page to learn more.