Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by the H1N1 virus. The virus infects the respiratory tract of pigs and can be easily transmissible among humans. This disease is infectious and can lead to death. The H1N1 vaccine is one way to avoid getting sick. However, there are numerous helpful precautions you and your family can take. The following natural and straightforward steps help prevent or decrease the chances of getting Swine Flu.

Wash your Hands

Washing hands is one of the most important things to avoid getting an infection. Wash your hands regularly using warm water and soap or an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Wash your hands often, particularly after blowing your nose, sneezing, before eating, and after your outdoor visit.

Avoid Contact

Try and avoid close contact specifically with people who have the flu. Keep a minimum distance of 6-10 feet, to keep away airborne transmission. Stay away from crowds, if possible. Keep your kids and yourself home from school, work or public activities when feeling ill.

Wear a Mask

Face masks and respirators help avoid contact with viruses. You can get infected directly from airborne droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person, so cover your face with a mask in public places and crowds, and in high-risk areas where swine flu has spread. Face masks can be found at any medical store.

Avoid Touch

The entries for the virus into the body are usually the mouth, throat, and nose. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth too often as that can lead you to contract the disease.

Clean your Nose, Mouth, and Throat

Blowing your nose hard at least once every day will help clear germs from your nasal hollows. Cleaning your nose with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is helpful in bringing down viral infections. Additionally, rinsing your mouth and throat with warm salt water twice a day helps increase resistance. Furthermore, rinsing with warm salt water as a healthy person is similar to the effect that an infected person is receiving from taking Tamiflu.

Drink Warm Liquids

Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling. Drink warm liquids such as tea and coffee, help wash viruses from your throat and prevent the spread of disease.

Maintain Healthful habits

To maintain good health and well-being, it is important to get enough sleep. Getting sufficient sleep helps you boost your immune system. Additionally, eat well, especially foods rich in Vitamin C that contribute to improving your immunity and keep infections away.

Prevention is better than cure!