To protect yourself against this swine flu:
-- Wash your hands.
-- Don’t touch your face, as cold and flu viruses enter your body through the eyes , nose or mouth.
-- Drink plenty of fluids.
-- Get fresh air. Central heating dries can dry your nose and throat and makes you more vulnerable to cold and flu.
-- Exercise regularly.
-- Don’t smoke.
-- Cut alcohol consumption.
-- Eat well. Eating a balanced diet including foods rich in zinc and vitamin C hel ps keep your immune system strong.
-- Avoid crowds.
-- Like seasonal flu, H1N1 swine origin flu in humans can range from mild to severe. Those people who develop flu-like symptoms should contact their health-care provider, who will determine if influenza testing or treatment is required.
Warning signs that require urgent medical attention include:
For children
-- Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
-- Bluish skin color
-- Limited intake of fluids
-- Difficulty waking up or interacting
-- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
-- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
-- Fever with a rash
For adults
-- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
-- Sudden dizziness
-- Confusion
-- Severe or persistent vomiting
-- Dehydration
