Tips for Preventing & Treating Swine Flu

Flu season is almost here and we have to worry about the swine flu again.  It seems like the flu starts to take off once kids go back to school with all their coughing, sneezing, and not washing their hands. 

One of my co-workers already had two of his kids catch the swine flu at school.  When they got sick he took them into the doctor and the pediatrician confirmed it was the H1N1 virus. Luckily his other two kids, his wife, and he were able to avoid catching thier bug.  I asked what they did to avoid getting swine flu and he sent me the email below with some tips for prevention and treatment.

The new H1N1 virus, also referred to as the swine flu, has caused the first influenza pandemic in more than 40 years. Because many people do not have immune protection against the new virus, it is essential to take extra precautions. It’s important to note that H1N1 and the regular seasonal flu are two different strains and require separate vaccinations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from the influenza virus:

Get a Flu Vaccine

CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza

Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women or people with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older

A seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the new H1N1 virus. However, individuals are still encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available 

Everyday Preventive Actions

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth which spreads germs
• Stay home when you are sick 

Antiviral drugs (Doctor Recommendation Required)

Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping viruses from reproducing in your body

Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster and may also prevent serious flu complications

For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started within the first two days of symptoms

It is important to take action now in order to protect yourself in the future. Remember, the CDC considers getting the flu vaccine the most important step in protecting yourself from the flu this season.

Ben Edwards, the founder of Money Smart Life, saved up enough to buy a Nintendo back when he was 12 years old. When he used the money to buy shares of Wal-Mart stock instead, he knew he wasn't like the other kids... His addiction to personal finance has paid off for his family and now he's helping you to afford the life that you want. Check him out on the web at Google Plus, Twitter and Facebook.

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