Happy Halloween ...

I am bringing cookies to the party

Enjoy ~ even if it is a bit late!

((hugs)) 

 Here are some simple steps to avoid getting the flu of any kind.

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 (further growth) of the germ is.

1. Frequent hand washing (well highlighted in all official communications). 
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2. Use the "Hands-off-the-face& quot; approach.  Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless needed for eating or bathing).
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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.
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4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water.  Not everybody may be good at using a Neti pot (very good Yoga ritual to clean nasal cavities), but just 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.
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5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits).  If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
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6. Drink as much 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.

I received this as an email from a nurse friend of mine. 

It is common sense, but doesn't hurt to be reminded again.