The following is taken from The Dr. Oz show: "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 can be practiced...
1. Frequent hand-washing.
2. Resist all temptations to touch any part of the face (unless you want to eat or bathe.)
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (you may also use Listerine or Hydrogen Peroxide). 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. Clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water, or hydrogen peroxide... Not everybody may be good at cleaning nasal cavities, but blowing the nose softly once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down the 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 and Vitamin D 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."
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**Please check out these earlier posts for additional information
Nasal Irrigation ~ ancient Ayurvedic technigue to promote Health
Update ~ Nasal Irrigation ~ Allergies
Pay the doctor only if he keeps you well
Mary Chamberlain, LAc.
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