Swine Flu Shot (H1N1) or Not

  Do you know what the shot protects you from that you just got?  Which flu is it?  The Swine Flu (H1N1)?  Probably not unless your doctor specifically told you it was for the Swine Flu.  Did you know that many areas don't even have the H1N1 shot available like where I live in central Illinois?  Yes, it is true.  This shot is not even available in many areas in our country. 

The best thing you can do is keep your immune system strong and your exposure low.  Use quality supplements combined with a healthy diet, exercise program, and plenty of sleep.  Don't smoke or use excessive alcohol.  These things will lower your immune system.  

Wash your hands!!!!  I don't know how many times people have to say that before people will actually listen.  Just stand in a restroom sometime and watch the people who still don't wash their hands.  It is astonishing.  Are they one of the people who just sampled the food at the grocery store before your child tried a chip (or whatever is being sampled)?  I don't recommend sampling any food products that others may have touched.  We've all seen the displays of food in a small bowl on the counter where the pieces are laid side by side - bread, cookies, chips, pitas etc.   Let's just follow the germs for a second:  some sneezes or coughs or worse, touches the shopping cart, picks up various fruits and veggies to find the perfect one, then comes over to sample the food.  I'm not a germ-a-phobe; however, I don't like to eat food that has been passed so much either.  It doesn't hurt to be smart and a little more cautious this flu season.

What if you or a child gets the H1N1 flu?  If you or your child gets a high fever (often associated with joint pain, headaches, tiredness among other symptoms), immediately go to your local doctor and see if it is the flu.  Ask about  Tamiflu so that you can best fight the flu (whichever kind it is).  It is important to act quickly so the medicine can be effective.   It is not recommend to wait over night or a few days to see if symptoms get worse.  Make sure to stay hydrated.  We recommend Performance over Gatorade or the other common rehydration drinks because it rehydrates more effectively and is very gentle on your stomach.