Thanks to media hype about H1N1, several people who trust me
have either approached or called me to advice. The hype in
media about the utility of face masks and N95 respirators as
a tool for general protection against H1N1 can't be deplored
enough. Yesterday, a friend who listened wanted me to write
down briefly what I advised so that he could tell others in
similar words. Hence this short email to friends whom I have
advised recently (and others whom I haven't yet). Please
realize that this is not an official advice, especially the
one about face masks or N95.
Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates
of 0.3µ, while the s ize of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ. Hence,
dependence on N95 to protect against H1N1 is like protecting
against rain with an umbrella made of mosquito net.
Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further
proliferation till the virus limits itself in about 1-2
weeks (its natural cycle). H1N1, like other Influenza A
viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and
proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the
nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this
nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with
H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not
so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of
H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation,
aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary
infections, some very simple steps not fully highlighted
in most official communications - can be practiced (instead
of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official
communications) .
2. "Hands-off-the- face" approach. Resist all temptations to
touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine
if you don't trust salt) (( One thing we do is gargle with a cap
full of Hydrogen Peroxide after brushing and that might help
older ones who don't swallow)) H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial
infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and
show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents
proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the
same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an
infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive
and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once
every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good
at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean
nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and
swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt
water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in
Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to
supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also
has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm
liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse
direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the
throat into the stomach where they cannot survive,
proliferate or do any harm.
All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most
households, and certainly much less painful than to wait in
long queues outside public hospitals.
Svinjska gripa
mmaslacak prvotno napisa
