With the number of confirmed cases of swine flu on the rise, both in the United States and in other countries, the threat for a global pandemic is becoming very real.
One expert, Dr.
Richard Besser, acting director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has stated that although ordinary human flu accounts for 36,000 deaths every year, he was concerned by this strain.
In fact, U.
S.
health officials warn that multiple deaths are likely.
So what can you do to prepare for the outbreak and protect yourself? Keep reading for important prevention tips.
Last week, the World Health Organization elevated the risk of a flu pandemic to level 5.
This is the critical level that indicates widespread human infection and that a pandemic is imminent.
The highest level of alert is 6, which means that a full-blown pandemic is underway.
Level 5 generally causes school and business closings and strains medical resources to the breaking point.
So what can you do to actively protect yourself against this deadly flu? Protect Yourself and Others from Contracting the Flu oIf you have flu symptoms (such as coughing, sneezing, fever, vomiting, diarrhea), stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the disease.
Do not return until two days after your symptoms are gone.
If you have more severe symptoms (such as difficulty breathing), visit your doctor or healthcare provider.
But if your symptoms are moderate, try to stay away from the hospital as you run the risk of further spreading the influenza to others with compromised immune systems.
oCover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away after you use it.
oTry not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth since germs can spread this way.
Make sure your children follow your lead.
oGet in the habit of washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Although influenza spreads by respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, it can be carried on other surfaces.
oTry to stay away from public places where the likelihood of contracting the disease increases dramatically.
Schools, workplaces, gyms, shopping centers and large sporting evens can all be hotbeds for spreading the disease.
Prepare Your Immune System Experts agree that people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk to catch this potentially deadly infection.
Stress, over-work and even the environment can weaken the immune system without warning.
But with the development of a vaccine months away, there are certain precautions you can take right away to build up your immune system and help prevent the possibility of contracting the flu.
By eating right, exercising, and continuing to take your vitamins and supplements you are already one step ahead in the fight to stay healthy.
But you can also make use of certain products and ingredients.
Choose products with a high ORAC value to help build your antioxidant values and boost your immune power to help fight off illness.
Ingredients such as Goji and the immune-boosting Mangosteen give you fighting protection against infections like the swine flu.
In the fight to protect yourself and your family, prevention is key.
Start following the tips offered above now, before it's too late.