Remedies

Okay, so you caught the little bugger. Now what?

The general consensus among the “experts” is that if you become ill with influenza-like symptoms (including fever, body aches, runny or  stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea), you should stay home  and avoid contact with others. Although the CDC initially suggested infected individuals should stay home for 24 hours after the fever breaks, it now appears H1N1-09 victims may be carriers for up to 96 hours after the fever breaks.

Regardless, staying out of circulation is simply the common sense thing to do. Although staying at home means avoiding normal activities such as work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings, it’s the best way to stop the spread of H1N1-09. The only exception should be to seek medical care. But even then, you have to be careful: remember, most of those other people in the waiting room are also ill.

If you believe you may have contacted H1N1-09 (Swine Flu), contact your health care provider immediately and follow their directions. If you don’t have a health care provider, contact the closest clinic in your “neck of the woods.” Licensed health care providers will determine whether and what treatment is needed.

More importantly, professional medical assistance should be called into play if you experience any of the following:

Children:

• fast and/or difficult breathing
• bluish or gray skin color
• dehydration (can’t hold down water)
• persistent vomiting
• lethargy
• irritability
• symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough

Adults:

• difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
• pain and/or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• dizzy spells
• confusion
• persistent vomiting
• symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough

The Center for Disease Control also recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the H1N1-09 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against  the flu by keeping the little bugger from reproducing in your body. Once infected, these antiviral drugs can reduce the severity of the event and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

As researchers, we also believe the use of ionic air purifiers help reduce the risk of spreading this (and any other air borne disease) throughout your living and/or working spaces. To review our recommendations, click HERE

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