Swine Flu: May 25

Despite the lull in coverage of the dreaded swine flu, it hasn’t gone away. In fact, two more people have perished from the flu in New York, bringing New York City’s total death toll due to the flu to four.

The most recent deaths include a 41-year-old woman from Queens and a 34-year-old man in Queens. Not the typical age-range threatened by the flu, but doctors report that both had other underlying conditions which put them more at risk. While these conditions have not been released, federal and city health officials have released a list of conditions which increase risk. They include:

•    respiratory ailments like asthma or emphysema
•    a weakened immune system because of pregnancy, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs like steroids
•    tuberculosis
•    heart disease
•    kidney disease
•    morbid obesity

Schools in the city continue to close, due to cases of swine flu, and emergency room visits and hospitalizations are also on the rise.

Still, there is no need to panic. By taking proper precautions, you can take important steps to protect yourself from the swine flu. These include:

•    Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away after you use it.
•    Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth since germs can spread this way.  Your children will learn this quickly if you teach them.
•    Get 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 cleaner.  Although influenza spreads by respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, it can be carried on other surfaces. 
•    If 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.
•    Try to stay away from public places where the likelihood of contracting the disease increases dramatically. Schools, workplaces, gyms, shopping centers and large sporting events can all be hotbeds for spreading the disease.

You should also make sure that you are eating healthy foods, getting enough exercise, and generally taking care of yourself. You can also boost your immune system by taking your vitamins and other supplements.

One supplement that has been recommended is MangoBerry-ES. For more information on this immune-boosting supplement, visit the product catalog website.

In the fight to protect yourself and your family, prevention is key. Start following the tips offered above now, before it’s too late.