What exactly is H1N1 and why does it have just a everyone so concerned? Dr. Erika Schwartz, Medical Director of Cinergy Health, says, “The swine flu is really just a cold—a mild flu.” Despite the media alarms, families should not get scared, she advises. With these simple tips, you and your family can avoid getting sick.
1. Wash Your Hands
One of the most important things you can do to avoid getting H1N1 and many other viruses is to wash your hands. “Use warm water and soap and try singing Happy Birthday while washing. Anything shorter than that is too short,” advises Dr. Schwartz.
2. Sleep
Getting enough sleep—eight to ten hours each night for grade-school children through adults, can be one of the best things you can do to help boost your immune system.
3. Vitamin C
Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C. Oranges, orange juice, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, and other fruits and vegetables are all good natural sources. Adults can safely take 10,000 to 15,000 mg daily, says Dr. Schwartz.
4. Stay Home
Keep your kids (and yourself!) home from school or work if you’re feeling ill. “We have this cultural bias today—we reward kids that have perfect attendance, and I’m sure no one goes through perfect attendance without going to school sick,” says Dr. Schwartz. “Let’s reward families for social consciousness instead!” says Dr. Schwartz, who reminds us that it is much more important to not spread disease than it is to be at school or work every day.
5. Change Your Clothes
When you get home from work or your children get home from school, take a moment to sit down, take off your shoes, and change into different clothes. If time permits, jump in the shower or wash your children’s faces and hands. “We wash up after playing outside or working in a factory or restaurant—why not do the same every day?” says Dr. Schwartz. Changing your clothes as soon as you get home helps not spread anything you’ve picked up during the day (think public transportation, office buildings, school rooms, the mall) and transfers those germs to the laundry pile instead of to your loved ones.
