Swine Flu- H1N1 and You

Many of us are very anxious as we approach the "flu season." With the media reporting all kinds of deaths and possible epidemics, we sit and wait passively,
anticipating the dreaded H1N1 Virus ( aka "Swine Flu")

There is much talk of an H1N1 vaccine, but I'm a little leery of it. I'll need to read up more before I have my body injected with anything.

We need not be passive, but rather assertive when defending ourselves fromm the H1N1 Virus.

Truck drivers are constantly traveling and coming in contact with many diverse people and places. Their trucking job and lifestyle is an attraction magnet for disease... if... they don't take precaution.

First, we must do everything possible to sustain a healthy immune system. I've put together a sort of list of various "things to do" that I've recently researched in regards to combating the Swine flu.


Note: The only portal of entry for the virus is the nostrils, mouth and throat. H1N1 takes 2-3 days from the time of initial infection for symptoms to occur. That's because the virus will enter your body from one of the above portals and then start to proliferate where they live comfortably. Don't let them be comfortable!!!

Okay, here's what I've found from my reading. Please, if you find or know anything else that can help to combat the H1N1 virus...please post your comment and add your knowledge to this post here.

1 Wash your hands often. If it's not convenient, keep the antimicrobial hand cleaner/antiseptic with you.

2. Keep your hands off your face. Seems like a no brainer, but you'd be amazed how often we touch our faces without thinking.

3 Gargle twice a day with warm salt water. If you're not crazy about salt water, use an antiseptic mouthwash. Simple gargling will prevent the H1N1 from proliferating ( growing) within your body.

4 Blow your nose hard once per day and then swab your nostrils with salt water. This procedure has proven effective in reducing the viral population.

5 Boost your immune system by eating foods with vitamin C ( Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges and grapefruits are a good example of this) If you take vitamin supplement tablets, make sure they have zinc, which aids in absorption of vitamin C.

6 Drink as much warm liquids as you can. Things like coffee, tea and the like will wash the virus from your throat down into your stomach where the virus can not survive.

7 Get Your Rest! Your immune system works best when your body is well rested.


I want to mention that the number one thing that I'm going to do is double up on antioxidants, (especially the "king of antioxidants," glutathione.)

Antioxidants are known to aid your immune system and everyone knows that I'm a
MAX GXL fanatic ( no secret or subtleties there )