How can I prevent the flu?

How can you prevent getting the Swine Flu?

• I'm terrified of getting this crap and I want to prevent it the best I can. I already use hand sanitizer everytime I do something. Should I stop going to school or what? School is only for 14 more days, but I don't want to catch the flu and die

• Answer:

  Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay away from hospitals unless you're having an emergency, as hospitals could be one of the likeliest places you could be exposed to swine virus. Avoid visiting crowded public area unless it’s really necessary. Wear a facemask or N95 respirator when entering crowded settings and when you go to the doctors. A facemask is not very secure because it can be inhaled around the edges. N95 respirator fits snugly on your face but compared with a facemask it is harder to breathe through an N95 mask for long periods of time. Skip public transportation. The Swine Flu Virus is spread through the air. Any place, such as a bus or plane, that causes you to be confined with others in a small place, Practice other good health habits. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands often, especially before, during, and after preparing food. Before you eat and after going to the bathroom. Use alcohol wipes to clean shopping carts handles, restaurant tables and high chairs. Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface. Get Enough Rest. Just like it becomes harder for you to get your daily tasks done if you're tired, if your body is overly fatigued it will be harder for it to fight the flu. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress and drink plenty of fluids. Eat Garlic Regularly Garlic does more than make our food taste good, it can aid in the healing and even prevention of certain medical conditions. Studies have shown that garlic extract improves immune function, giving our natural defense system a boost, and helping it conserve our levels of antioxidants in our system. It is this strengthening of the immune system that aids in its support for other health related conditions. Exercise Exercise increase circulation of blood flow throughout your body. The components of your immune system are also better circulated, which means your immune system has a better chance of combating an intruders before it has a chance to cause havoc in your body. Exercising helps your immune system to be more efficient in weeding out and acting upon viruses and diseases. Establish a healthy diet plan Establish a consistent diet plan that consists of all your vitamins and minerals. Add diversity to your diet by way of implementing a variety of fruits, vegetables and other foods to promote general health and well being. Eat about 2 servings of yogurt, preferably the type with special digestive enzymes which promote the growth of healthy bacteria that is needed to aid in a healthy immune system. Green tea is also a world renown supplement which improves metabolic function and increases immunity.