You can lessen your risk of getting H1N1 (swine) flu, as well as the seasonal flu. Flu is caused by contact with a virus spread person to person through respiration. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, he sprays water droplets through the air. Other people or surfaces can be contaminated with the droplets. An uninfected person, touching the contaminated surface, can pick up the virus. An infected person can also spread the virus by coughing or sneezing into his hands, then touching another person or surface.

To lessen your risk of contracting the flu:

Get the flu vaccine. Vaccine for the seasonal flu vaccine is currently available, and the H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available by the end of October, in the U.S. The two injections should be taken at least 3 weeks apart for maximum effectiveness. A nasal spray version of the vaccine is also available and indicated for certain populations, such as young children. Your doctor can advise which method is best for you.

Check with your physician about a prescription for an antiviral medication, such as Tamiflu or Relenza. These medications are best used within twenty-four hours of exposure to the flu. Some doctors will give you the prescription in advance to lessen any time delay starting it.

Limit contact with infected persons. If someone in your household has the symptoms of the flu, isolate him within the home, if possible. Keep the infected person confined to one room and try to keep everyone else away. If you do not have the space to stay apart, have the ill person wear a face mask.

Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, and after sneezing or coughing. Use alcohol hand gel if soap and water are not available or convenient. Weekly, wash household surfaces, such as doorknobs, sink faucets and the telephone receiver with a germ-killing cleaner. Linens, dishes, glasses and eating utensils of an infected person do not need to be washed separately, but try to limit contact with these items prior to washing. Use alcohol hand gel when handling infected materials.

Teach children to cough into the crook of their elbow, use tissues when sneezing and dispose of them properly, wash their hands frequently, and not share drinking glasses and utensils with others.

Maintain a diet of fruits and vegetables, rich in Vitamin C, throughout the flu season. Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mucus membranes well-hydrated and healthy.

You can lessen your flu risks by staying healthy and vigilant against exposure.

Learn more about this author, Joyce Good Henderson.
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