Tips - H1N1 from the internet

>>>>>> Friends,
>>>>>> Thanks to media hype about H1N1, I’ve received calls from several who
>>>>>> trust me, to advise. The hype in media about the
>>>>>> utility of face masks and N95 as a tool for general protection
>>>>>> against H1N1 can’t be deplored enough. Today, a friend
>>>>>> who listened wanted me to write down briefly what I advised so that
>>>>>> he could tell others in similar words. Hence this
>>>>>> short email to friends whom I have advised recently. Please realize
>>>>>> that this is not an official advice, especially the
>>>>>> one about face masks or N95.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates of 0.3µ,
>>>>>> while the size of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ.
>>>>>> Hence, dependence on N95 to protect against H1N1 is like protecting
>>>>>> against rain with an umbrella made of mosquito net.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation.
>>>>>> H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects
>>>>>> the upper respiratory tracts and proliferates (only) there. The only
>>>>>> portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/
>>>>>> throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible
>>>>>> not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all
>>>>>> precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not the problem but proliferation
>>>>>> is.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1
>>>>>> infection, in order to prevent proliferation,
>>>>>> aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some
>>>>>> very simple steps — not fully highlighted in most
>>>>>> official communications — can be practised (instead of focusing on
>>>>>> how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 1. Hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications)
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch
>>>>>> any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or
>>>>>> slap).
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t
>>>>>> trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial
>>>>>> infection in the throat to proliferate and show characteristic
>>>>>> symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a
>>>>>> way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy
>>>>>> individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t
>>>>>> underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative
>>>>>> method.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day
>>>>>> with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at
>>>>>> Sutra Neti (a very good Yoga asana to clean the nasal cavities), but
>>>>>> blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both
>>>>>> nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective
>>>>>> in bringing down viral population.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Happy breathing!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Best regards.