The Swine Flu

This year’s Swine Flu pandemic has panicked the world into a serious assessment of health care efficiency. Vaccines are not yet universally available and as it becomes more likely that most of us will not be eligible for vaccination before this wave of the Swine Flu is well on its way out, it is important that we take responsibility for our own health and learn how to avoid getting sick.
Although the Swine Flu is a very infectious virus that is causing great concern at the moment, the Flu, of one kind or another, is around every year and we need to know how best to deal with it whenever it occurs. The following are the most important things we can do to protect ourselves.


• Wash hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds. This should be done especially after using the bathroom and before eating and if soap and water are not available use an antibacterial alcohol-based hand spray. These can be bought in handy sizes to carry in the pocket or purse.
• Wipe clean door handles and keyboards or any surfaces touched frequently by others. This applies to gym equipment, desks and photocopiers etc. etc. If it is not possible to clean frequently then wash your hands again!
• Catch coughs and sneezes in the crook of your elbow. Of course, it is best not to sneeze or cough in public, but if you must, keep it to yourself. If you cover your mouth or nose with your hand by mistake – wash your hands again!
• Get plenty of sleep. Burning the candle at both ends, merely depletes the candle.
• Keep as healthy as you can. Do whatever you do usually to keep healthy only in spades. Have a daily walk in the fresh air to keep your lungs clear and oxygenate the body. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables. Take vitamins- especially vitamin C and D. And if you do all this and still get sick –
• Stay home until you are completely well. Do not be a hero and come to the office before you are fully recovered. Your colleagues will not thank you for it.

And in case you come down with the Flu in spite of all this good advice, stock up on some good books, juices, and chicken broth, turn off the computer and the Blackberry and stay in bed for a week.