Recommendations for Keeping the Swine Flu at Bay

By Rachel Stockton (rachels@foodconsumer.org)

Some estimates put the number of deaths from the pandemic swine flu at 90,000 in the United States; sobering news as we prepare for the  upcoming flu season.

The 2009 flu season, according to the CDC, has the potential of being especially severe, because of the pandemic.  While the H1N1 vaccine is being tested as we speak, the CDC has put together some prevention tips on their website.  Here's a rundown:

·          Make sure every family member washes their hands frequently, especially if someone has fallen ill in your household.

·         Keep your kitchen clean.  The Agriculture Safety Database recommends that all surfaces, including the floor, be disinfected on a daily basis.  The CDC has list of surfaces you might miss:  door knobs, especially those in the bathroom, computer mouse and keyboard, cell and telephone, computer and video game remotes, t.v. remote control, and anything your children touch, including all toys.  After cleaning surfaces with warm, sudsy water, WebMd suggests disinfecting with ¼ of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water.  Also, make sure that surfaces are dry.

·         Dry off wet spots.  Warm, damp surfaces are a hotbed for germs. Make sure that all damp areas are dried thoroughly.

·         Wash bath rugs and towels often.

·         Don't forget your car; according to tesh.com, one area most of us don't think of disinfecting is our car; the steering wheel, as well as the gear shift, heater, and all surfaces you touch on a regular basis.

·         Replace toothbrushes every two months; if someone comes down with the flu in your home, immediately discard their toothbrush.  Also, make a habit of washing your toothbrushes in the dishwasher every week or so.

The CDC also recommends that parents trust their children if they say they are sick, or they start displaying the first signs of the flu.  The University of Arkansas is warning all students who are ill to stay home; no points will be taken off students' grades throughout flu season.   Sheilah Downey, a reporter for Food Consumer, has written a guide for college students this flu season, especially those living in a dorm.

If you do fall ill, make sure you stay home until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours; fever is the best indicator of contagion.  During the Spanish flu epidemic, dozens of men working on the Panama Canal became ill; the point is if you're sick, please stay home.

According to the vitamin and supplement guide website, taking a vitamin C supplement as we head into flu season should be a priori.  Although the FDA's minimum daily requirement of vitamin C is 200 mg, it's a good idea to go above and beyond by taking supplements that have 500 - 1000 mgs.

Vitamin C is also helpful to patients who are already ill.  Viruses tend to raise blood pressure as our bodies take on the flu fight.  Vitamin C has been proven to lower blood pressure at levels of 500 mgs and greater.

The number one thing we can do to prevent the flu, according to the CDC, is to become vaccinated.   The Strategic National Stockpile project is working feverishly to make sure there are enough vaccines to go around this season.

The center also recommends taking an antiviral medication with a couple of days of falling ill.   Research shows that such medicines reduce the severity and length of infection.