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Steps to Minimize the Risk of Contracting the H1N1 Virus / Swine
Flu
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The H1N1 virus, originally
referred to as the Swine Flu, is causing a great deal of fear
amongst all groups of our population.
Presently, the highest risk
groups for the H1N1 virus seem to be the following according
to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention:
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- Pregnant Women
- Babies Age 6 months - Young Adults Age 24
- Adults Age 25 - 64 who have weakened immune systems or other
medical conditions
- Healthcare Personnel
Can Essential Oils Prevent Me from Contracting H1N1/Swine Flu or
Heal Me If I Get It?
Proper and safe use of anti-viral essential oils
can help you lessen your exposure to H1N1, but there is no guarantee
that your use of essential oils will prevent you from contracting
H1N1. If you do contract H1N1 or other cold/flu bugs aromatherapy
and essential oils can help to lessen your symptoms.
AromaWeb's Reducing
the Risk of Contracting H1N1, Flus and Colds With Aromatherapy
article offers practical details and tips that can help you fight
H1N1 and other nasty cold and flu bugs using essential oils.
General Steps to Help Reduce Risks of Contacting the H1N1 Virus
The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention is a reputable source for
the most up to date news regarding the H1N1 outbreak and for learning
simple ways to minimize your risk in contacting the H1N1 virus.
Below is a list that contains common sense suggestions
and suggestions inspired by the CDC:
- When you are out in public, try to minimize the surfaces that
you touch, and wash your hands often. If you are shopping and
spot someone nearby that is ill and not taking considerate measures
to cover their mouth/nose when they cough/sneeze, leave the store
or vicinity until they've departed. Shoppers will still be at
risk by touching the items that shopper may have touched, but
by simply taking the initiative to steer clear of visibly sick
individuals, you will reduce your risk.
- Make it an absolute habit to never touch your eyes, nose, mouth
or face anytime you are out and about. Wash your hands the moment
you get back home.
- If you can't wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer. An easy
recipe for a natural hand sanitizer can be found within AromaWeb's
Aromatherapy to Help Combat Colds and Flus article.
- Stress and anxiety can strain your immune system and reduce
your ability to fight off viruses like H1N1. Utilize aromatherapy
as one method of helping to combat stress and anxiety.
- Minimize sugar intake. Sugars and glucose, including the natural
sugars found in fruits can burden the immune system and make it
harder to fight off disease. Reducing your sugar intake will not
only help reduce the risk of diabetes, but it can also help your
immune system fight off viruses like H1N1.
- Nourish your body with healthy foods. Ensure that you drink
plenty of water and eat nourishing whole foods to help you help
your body stay healthy.
Be Considerate of Others When You're Ill
- If you are ill with any type of cold/flu virus, show common
courtesy by waiting to dine out, run errands and do other non-essential
public matters until you have recovered. Parents, also show courtesy
by keeping sick children home. I can't count the times I've seen
parents let sick children cough and sneeze on food items in the
grocery store and other inconsiderate behaviors.
- If ill with any cold/flu virus and applicable in your situation,
talk to your employer about your illness and see if you can stay
home or offers for you to work from home while you recover.
- If you must cough or sneeze while around others, cover your
mouth, ideally by coughing or sneezing into your shoulder and
elbow. This prevents you from transferring your germs onto your
hands and then onto the surfaces that you touch. And for everyone's
sake, wash your hands often.
AromaWeb's Reducing
the Risk of Contracting H1N1, Flus and Colds With Aromatherapy
article offers practical details and tips that can help you fight
H1N1 and other nasty cold and flu bugs using essential oils.
Aromatherapy is not a substitute
for complete medical care.
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