As of this writing, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the threat level posed by the current Swine Flu epidemic to 5 (on a scale of 1 to 6). That means that a lot of people are expected to get sick worldwide. With the Swine Flu now popping up all over the United States, it’s very important to do everything you can to stay healthy. Fortunately, there are many simple steps you can take to avoid the flu – and colds, too!
For example:
1. Wash your hands often. Most viruses, including the flu, are transmitted by people touching infected surfaces (countertops, door handles, etc.) Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using hot water and soap. Do not use anti-bacterial soap, as these do nothing to stop viruses and can actually lead to the development of stronger germs.
2. Avoid touching your eyes and nose. Very often, viruses enter the body through these areas. If you have to scratch your eyes or nose, use a disposable tissue.
3. Avoid crowds. During flu outbreaks, try to stay away from crowded areas like shopping malls, movie theaters, etc. Granted, this can be difficult if you’re going to school and you need to sit in a classroom with 20 or 30 other people. If this is the case, try to sit far away from someone who is sniffling or coughing or looks flushed. (In fact, if you see such people, tell them to go home!)
4. Take a reusable water bottle with you to classes. Avoid public drinking fountains, since they’re easily infected by anyone with a cold or the flu.
5. Get lots of sleep. The human immune system works best when you’re at rest. So try to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. And try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day – even on weekends. Messing with your sleep cycle really opens your body up to germs and viruses.
If you do get sick:
1. Don’t go to class! If you’re sick, you’ll be in no shape to study, and all you’ll do is infect other people.
2. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. It’s always polite to do this, but it’s even more important when it comes to preventing the spread of disease.
3. See a doctor as soon as symptoms appear. There are anti-viral drugs you can take to make your flu as mild as possible, but they only work within the first 48 hours of illness. So if you feel feverish, if you have a pounding headache, you feel weak and your joints ache, see your family doctor or go to a hospital emergency room as soon as you can. Health authorities want to stop this epidemic before it gets worse!
Remember, although this is called the “Swine Flu,” you can’t get it from eating pork. (This particular type of flu started with pigs and then jumped to humans.) It’s just another type of flu, and you need to treat it just like you would any other.
Stay smart and you’ll stay healthy!
