Once the H5N1 virus can spread from one person to another, it will be able to infect just about anyone. Virtually 100% of the human population will be susceptible. One of the greatest problems is that fully half the susceptible patients who contract the flu may have no symptoms or only a few symptoms for the first few days.
That means that you may not be able to spot who is sick. It also means that you may become sick and not know it. The single most important thing you can do to beat bird flu is prevent yourself from getting it in the first place. Here are the necessary steps:
Step 1
Become as healthy as possible. That means cutting down on sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, and junk food (any food with lots of fat and empty carbs). All of these have been shown to compromise your immune system. Better yet-- cut them out entirely. Just remember what bird flu can do the next time you are tempted (This is called negative conditioning. It often works).
Most importantly, exercise regularly. While intense rigorous exercise can depress immune function, regular walking, swimming or even yoga reduces stress, a major negative impact on you immune system, and helps circulate oxygen. Exercise helps the blood and lymph nodes- a crucial part of our immune systems- flush germs out of the body. Keep moving and keep healthy.
Reduce Stress. Exercise also helps readuce stress, as does meditation, yoga, Tai Chi. Here's a great stress reducer: when you encounter a work or domestic issue that cause stress in your life, think how insignificant it will seem if the pandemic actually strikes. Then relax- it's not that big a deal, after all.
Step 2
Educate yourself. The emerging pandemic is unlike any major health crisis before it, in that so much of its development is being tracked globally and so much international response is being put into place. New developments may make a huge difference to you and your family- not only the bad news, but new scientific approaches that may give you new choices. Understand the virus - understand your choices.
For an easy way to get crucial bird flu information in one place, return to this site, and consider buying the Avian Flu eBook.
Step 3
If a pandemic strikes, keep your distance from other people. Avoid crowded places. No more handshaking.
Step 4
One of the best methods of preventing the spread of the virus is to cough politely and hygienically: that is, cover your mouth with a paper tissue, and then dispose of it safely... and encourage others to do the same. Teach your children to cough and/or sneeze properly, since studies show most colds and flus are spread disproportionately by children.
Step 5
Repeated hand washing (see our fact sheet for details). Wash correctly and you can get rid of most viruses available for transmission.
Step 6
Please consider purchasing the following:
About the Author:
William Prescott is a health care researcher and author, focusing on science-based CAM (Complimentary and Alternative) healthcare solutions to contemporary medical challenges. |
