How to Prevent Swine Flu

Dear Loved Ones,

If you haven't kept up with the news, the world has changed in the past four days. Swine flu is being taken as a serious and deadly pandemic threat as I write this. It has spread half way round the globe in less than a week, If you scan the headlines, you'll see that every head of state in the world is concerned and taking preventative measures today, Monday, April 27th.

This is not just a threat in Mexico where it began. The flu is on our doorstep, as cases have been reported in Kansas, Texas and California at least as of this writing. There will NOT be enough vaccine for everyone, and what vaccine does exist will be earmarked for health care professionals, the elderly, and others with special circumstances.

So, what can you do personally in terms of prevention? Well, there are a number of proactive steps you can take starting today!

* First, because this is an airborne virus, locations where many folks congregate will be prime places to pick it up...schools, airports, large office buildings, churches, etc. You may wish to consider whether or not to keep a bandana, silk scarf, or medical mask with you as you go into buildings where the air may be carrying the virus.
* Second, consciously wash your hands more often and a little more vigorously. How long is long enough to wash hands? The Mayo Clinic recommends you wash long enough to sing Row Row Row Your Boat all the way through in your head.
* Third, keep yourself well hydrated and well rested. You would be surprised what a huge help just plain water and good sleep can do to aid the body. Strive for half a gallon to a gallon of water (tea, coffee, juice, broth, etc) per day, and 7-8 hours of sleep.
* Fourth, make sure the humidity in your home is adequate. Dry air negatively affects the sinus membranes and spreads the virus more quickly. Adequate water vapor in the air has a higher chance of capturing the airborne pathogen and having gravity carry it to the floor. Keep your home as clean and sanitary as you can by wiping doorknobs, counter tops and other surfaces with antibacterial cleaners such as Lysol.
* Fifth, I suggest that everyone consider boosting their immune systems immediately!!! I'm not a doctor and can't diagnose or prescribe for anybody. However, I can tell you what I personally do for myself and my own family. To take my immune system to the highest level I can get it with vitamins and supplements I take the following:
- A complete multivitamin with iron and minerals
- Zinc lozenges - I take one 15 mg lozenge every 4 hours until I reach the maximum dose of 100 mg per day.
- 500 mg of vitamin C every 3-4 hours
- L-Lysine, one capsule daily (don't take L-lysine for more than 6 months straight without a break.)
- Olive leaf extract, 1000 mg per day as a preventative (Special note: if flu symptoms are present, I change the dosage to 1500 mg every six hours like clockwork, even if I have to set my alarm and get up in the middle of the night to take a dose.)
- Echinacea - 2 capsules per day or two to four cups of tea per day.

If you have trouble finding olive leaf extra and echinacea where you are living, try contacting the wholesale Ameriherb company in Ames, IA (800-267-6141.) These things may run off the grocery store shelves quickly in the next several days but I suspect you may be able to get it from them and have it shipped to you.

You can track the swine flu spread in real time using google maps. Just go to the main google map page and search for swine flu.

May you stay healthy, happy and strong!

Blessings,



Su