H1N1

What is H1N1?

H1N1 is the very clinical-sounding official name for Swine Flu (so named because the virus is very similar to one carried by pigs). It is a flu virus and it spreads in the same way as seasonal flu: through direct contact with people who are already infected, through airborne cough and sneeze germs, and by sharing drinks and cutlery.

• Aching muscles.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• Sore throat.
• Cough.
• Fever.
• Runny nose.
• Diarrhoea or vomiting.
• Headaches.
• Shortness of breath.

Hygiene Habit

Concentrate on hand-hygiene
If you and your family practise regular handwashing with Lifebuoy germ protection soap or hand sanitiser, this can help prevent the spread of germs that could cause Swine Flu.

Medical Practices

Don’t give germs a chance
Clean your bathroom and kitchen surfaces constantly — and always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Medical Practices

Get vaccinated
The fewer people who contract Swine Flu, the more difficult it is for the virus to infect others.

Nutrition

Top up your vegetables
Eating plenty of fresh vegetables – especially dark green, red or yellow vegetables which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants - will ensure that your immune system is better able to fight off any potential infections.

• Vaccines make viruses immune — in the same way that widespread use of antibiotics created evolved germs…

  Not true. Vaccines work by introducing a harmless version of a particular virus into your body. So when the harmful variant arrives, your immune system knows what to look for and how to deal with it. This isn’t making viruses immune — it’s making you immune.

  For more tips from Lifebuoy on health and hygiene, read our articles.

Medical source : British Health Authority