wellness

How Contagious is the Swine Flu?

by Virginia Pipolini

Every year there is research into the flu, focusing on finding the strain that will be the most likely to reek havoc in our population. A vaccine is developed for the strain that appears to be the biggest threat. This years winner is not the swine flu, but this strain of flu is certainly in the news.

The swine flu spreads through a cough or a sneeze, and in that fast sometimes involuntary action there are droplets of water and mist released into our surroundings. Since many people do not isolate themselves when they feel the onset of the flu there is little we can do to control the spread.

Does the swine flu mean that we should avoid eating pork? No, that is not the case. There is no concerns about using pork products in your diet, other than the reminder to cook your pork products properly and thoroughly. How then do we protect ourselves from the swine flu? One of the most recommended is always to wash your hands often, especially before meals or handling of food. Do you need to wear one of those facial masks? No, that is not needed but can be considered if you are caretaking. Bottom line though, it is difficult to avoid an airborne virus.

The symptoms of the swine flu are very much like those of any flu. You can expect a combination of any of these symptoms: coughing, aching body, high fever, a runny nose, headache or fatigue. You can call your doctor for recommendations if you have those symptoms and are concerned. With the swine flu we should pay attention. Word is out that its not just the young and old who are susceptible. If you are thinking that the flu shot you received will protect you, well sorry you are out of luck. The vaccine is for a specific strain of influenza. It will take at least six months for a vaccine to be developed for this strain.

Are we looking at a pandemic with this new strain of the H1N1 virus known as the swine flu? The number of cases has grown, and with our travels the infestation is quickly spreading across multiple states in the U.S. We can take action to reduce the risks of contracting the H1N1 swine flu virus by keeping our environment clean, using a good anti bacterial and anti viral solution.

Since the swine flu is transmitted through water the best course of action is to treat our water, inside and out. Water purification drops can be used for their anti-viral cleaning power. Water purification drops have been used for decades to treat water supplies and reduce mold and mildew, such as the mildew cleanup after hurricane Katrina. Learn more about the effectiveness of chlorine dioxide in its many uses in our home and our health. Swine flu is a virus, and we can fight back with a powerful anti-virus water treatment program.