by Lorelei Cohen

Created on: July 27, 2010

Unless complications occur the H1N1 flu virus, like most flu viruses, is best treated at home. So be prepared for the possibility of the H1N1, or Swine flu virus, visiting your home. Know in advance the best ways to treat H1N1 patients at home.

There are a few basic differences between the H1N1 flu virus and other flu bugs. Where as the seasonal flu is most likely to be dangerous to seniors and those with compromised immune systems, the H1N1 is most hazardous to pregnant women, people with lung issues, compromised immune systems, or who are overweight. A substantial portion of the Senior citizen population actually have some degree of immunity to this virus so will not contract the illness when exposed to it. It is believed that a similar flu virus struck in the 1970's and gave these individuals the antibodies needed to protect them from the current Swine flu outbreak.

Symptoms of the H1N1 flu are runny or stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, cough, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches and pains. You may also have diarrhea or vomiting but these are rarer symptoms of the H1N1 influenza. The cough that accompanies the H1N1 is generally a dry cough.

Because the virus can spread to other household members it is very important to use preventative measures, to keep this from happening. Insure that shared surface areas throughout the home are thoroughly cleaned using an antibacterial agent. Toilet flusher, sink taps, counter tops, telephones, doorknobs etc. should be wiped clean of any possible contamination by the virus. Other household members should wash hands frequently and avoid touching their mouth, nose, and eyes unless necessary. These are the portals that the H1N1 virus will use to enter their body. Wash bedsheets frequently using hot water. Rinse the patients toothbrush in salt water, or Listerine mouthwash to help kill germs on it, replace the old brush with a new one.

Complications from the flu increase the longer that one is ill with the virus so it is very important to try to run the bug through as quickly, and as safely, as is possible. Insure that the patient drinks plenty of fluids. This will help flush the virus out of the body. Drinking hot honey lemon drinks will greatly help you recover quicker from the flu. The steam from a hot drink will help open clogged nasal passages. Lemon is a diuretic and will help increase the speed at which fluids move through the body, and honey has antibacterial properties, so it will help to kill the germs and

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