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Protect Yourself From Swine Flu (H1N1)
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against
H1N1 flu, but here are some everyday actions that can help prevent
the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza:
- Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep,
be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids
and eat nutritious food.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after
you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the
flu virus. Germs can be spread when a person touches something
that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes,
nose or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected
person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person
touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface
like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before
washing their hands.
- If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school
and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Symptoms of Swine Flu
Symptoms are also similar to a typical flu infection and include
fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated
with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory
failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection
in people, according to the CDC.
Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying
chronic medical conditions.
Swine Flu Treatment
There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed
for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine,
rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir, according to the CDC.
The most recent swine flu viruses in humans are resistant
to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the
use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention
of infection with swine influenza viruses.
There is a vaccine to protect pigs from swine flu, however,
there is currently no vaccine for humans.
More information: www.CDC.gov
Important Note and Disclaimer:
The information provide by World Canadian Drugstore is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment
of your physician, pharmacist or other health care professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. The information provided
here is for informational purposes only and must not be used
or relied upon for making a diagnosis or treatment decision.
The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. Always seek
the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider
regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition.
Consult your health care professional before using any one of
these products, changing your lifestyle, or beginning or discontinuing
any course of treatment. If you suspect that you are ill or may
have a medical emergency, contact a physician, a health professional
or call 911 immediately.
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