A 10-minute walk reverses the vascular damage of 6 hours of sitting, study finds

We’re constantly hearing about how dangerous prolonged bouts of sitting down can be, so it’s heartening to see some research suggesting that the harmful effects of sitting can be negated – and with considerable ease, too.

New research suggests that while vascular functions can be impaired by sitting down for long stretches, a short walk is all that’s required to restore vascular health.

“It’s easy for all of us to be consumed by work and lose track of time, subjecting ourselves to prolonged periods of inactivity,” Jaume Padilla, assistant professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at the University of Missouri in the US, said in a press release.

“However, our study found that when you sit for 6 straight hours, or the majority of an 8-hour work day, blood flow to your legs is greatly reduced. We also found that just 10 minutes of walking after sitting for an extended time reversed the detrimental consequences.”

To come to their findings, the researchers compared the vascular functions of a group of volunteers both before and after a 6-hour period of sitting at a desk. They found that the blood flow in an artery in the lower leg (called the popliteal) was significantly reduced as a result of the prolonged sedentary position. This isn’t something you want to have happen.

“When you have decreased blood flow, the friction of the flowing blood on the artery wall, called shear stress, is also reduced,” said Padilla. “Moderate levels of shear stress are good for arterial health, whereas low levels of shear stress appear to be detrimental and reduce the ability of the artery to dilate. Dilation is a sign of vascular health. The more the artery can dilate and respond to stimuli, the healthier it is.”

Fortunately, restoring blood flow to healthy levels didn’t take much – at least for the volunteers in the study. The researchers found that just 10 minutes of walking – letting the participants set their own, comfortable pace – was enough to bring vascular function back to where it should be.

It’s worth noting a couple of things about this research. First off, the researchers conducted their study with a very small sample size: only 11 participants took part in the experiment. Secondly, those volunteers weren’t exactly representative of the broad swathe of society, being all healthy young males (quite possible students from the university where the research was conducted).

But while the relatively limited scope of this research means it might not have all the answers, it does nonetheless form part of a growing body of evidence suggesting that we can overcome the harmful effects of prolonged sitting through limited bursts of activity. Fidgeting, standing, short walks and mixing it all up together have all been suggested to confer health benefits, so whatever you do, just don’t sit still.

The findings are published in Experimental Physiology.

KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT EBOLA

Ebolavirus

Ebolavirus cycle

REPLICATION

CYTOPLASMIC

1. Attachment to host receptors through GP glycoprotein mediates is endocytosed into vesicles in the host cell. Host DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR play a role in virion attachment.
2. The virion enters early endosomes by Macropinocytosis.
3. In some culture cells, GP glycoprotein can be processed by host Cathepsin L and Cathepsin B into 19kDa GP1. But this processing is not happening in all cells or for all ebolavirus. 19kDA GP1 interacts with host NPC1, which is highly expressed in dendritic cells.
4. Fusion of virus membrane with the vesicle membrane is triggered by either low pH or NPC1 binding. The ribonucleocapsid is then released into the cytoplasm.
5. Sequential transcription, viral mRNAs are capped and polyadenylated by polymerase stuttering in the cytoplasm.
6. Replication presumably starts when enough nucleoprotein is present to encapsidate neo-synthetized antigenomes and genomes.
7. The ribonucleocapsid interacts with the matrix protein, and buds via the host ESCRT complexes from the plasma membrane, releasing the virion 

   Molecular biology

   
   Filamentous 970 nm long for Ebolavirus. Diameter is about 80nm.

   GENOME

   
   Negative-stranded RNA linear genome, about 18-19 kb in size. Encodes for seven proteins.

   GENE EXPRESSION

   The viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase binds the encapsidated genome at the leader region, then sequentially transcribes each genes by recognizing start and stop signals flanking viral genes. mRNAs are capped and polyadenylated by the L protein during synthesis.
   The primary product of the unedited transcript of GP gene yields a smaller non-structural glycoprotein sGP which is efficiently secreted from infected cells. RNA editing allows expression of full-length GP.

   REPLICATION

   CYTOPLASMIC
   1. Attachment to host receptors through GP glycoprotein mediates is endocytosed into vesicles in the host cell. Host DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR play a role in virion attachment.
   2. The virion enters early endosomes by Macropinocytosis.
   3. In some culture cells, GP glycoprotein can be processed by host Cathepsin L andCathepsin B into 19kDa GP1. But this processing is not happening in all cells or for all ebolavirus. 19kDA GP1 interacts with host NPC1, which is highly expressed in dendritic cells.
   4. Fusion of virus membrane with the vesicle membrane is triggered by either low pH orNPC1 binding. The ribonucleocapsid is then released into the cytoplasm.
   5. Sequential transcription, viral mRNAs are capped and polyadenylated by polymerase stuttering in the cytoplasm.
   6. Replication presumably starts when enough nucleoprotein is present to encapsidate neo-synthetized antigenomes and genomes.
   7. The ribonucleocapsid interacts with the matrix protein, and buds via the host ESCRTcomplexes from the plasma membrane, releasing the virion .

Treatment For H1N1

Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with the flu, you should stay home and follow your health care provider's recommendations. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about over-the-counter and prescription medications to ease flu symptoms and help you feel better faster.

TREATMENT	MEDICATION
You can treat flu symptoms with and without medication. Over-the-counter medications may relieve some flu symptoms but will not make you less contagious.	Your health care provider may prescribe antiviral medications to make your illness milder and prevent serious complications. Your health care provider may prescribe antibioticsif your flu has progressed to a bacterial infection.

Are there ways to treat the flu or its symptoms without medication?

You can treat flu symptoms without medication by:

• Getting plenty of rest
• Drinking clear fluids like water, broth, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages to prevent becoming dehydrated
• Placing a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead, arms, and legs to reduce discomfort associated with a fever
• Putting a humidifier in your room to make breathing easier
• Gargling salt water (1:1 ratio warm water to salt) to soothe a sore throat
• Covering up with a warm blanket to calm chills

How can I treat congestion?

Decongestants can ease discomfort from stuffy noses, sinuses, ears, and chests. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about which kind is right for you.

How can I treat coughing and sore throat?

Cough medicine, cough drops, and throat lozenges can temporarily relieve coughing and sore throat. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about which kind is right for you.

How can I reduce fevers and discomfort?

Fevers and aches can be treated with a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®, for example), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (Aleve®).If you have kidney disease or stomach problems, check with your health care provider before taking any NSAIDS.

Is it safe to take flu medications with other over-the-counter or prescription medicines?

Many over-the-counter medications contain the same active ingredients. If you take several medicines with the same active ingredient you might be taking more than the recommended dose. This can cause serious health problems. Read all labels carefully.

If you are taking over-the-counter or prescription medications not related to the flu, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about which cold and flu medications are safe for you.

What are antiviral medications and how can they help?

Antiviral medications are prescription pills, liquids, or inhalers used to prevent or treat flu viruses. They are approved for adults and children one year and older. There are four antiviral drugs approved for treating the flu in the United States—oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), amantadine (Symmetrel), and rimantadine (Flumadine).

FDA provides information on availability of antiviralsfor each seasonal flu season.

On December 21, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the approved use of Tamiflu to treat children as young as 2 weeks old who have shown symptoms of flu for no longer than two days. Tamiflu is the only product approved to treat flu infection in children younger than 1 year old. If you get the flu, antiviral medications can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious complications from the flu. Antiviral medications work best when started within the first two days of getting sick.

If you are exposed to the flu, antiviral medication can prevent you from becoming sick.  Talk to your health care provider if you have been or may be near a person with the flu.

Do I need antibiotics?

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections like the flu. Some people have bacterial infections along with or caused by the flu and will need to take antibiotics. Severe or prolonged illness or illness that seems to get better but then gets worse may be a sign of bacterial infection. Contact your health care provider if you think you need antibiotics.

How to build concentration....... Its Exam time....

How to build concentration for study

Concentration on work is important in all sphere of life. Effective study is only possible if you study with full attention throwing off mind all the irrelevant thoughts which interrupt in the process of learning. Concentration means to throw off mind all unnecessary thoughts and converge all the mental capabilities on a point. Normally the rays of sun do not burn a paper, because these rays are dispersed but if the rays of sun are converged on paper with the help of lens, it burns the paper at once. Similarly converging your mental capabilities enables productive study – the power of concentration.

These are the tips to improve power of concentration. 

Try to get full sleep.

Take at least six hour rest for refreshment and relaxation of your mind. A fresh mind can concentrate more easily.

Take regular exercise.

Brain takes its nutrients from blood for functioning properly. Physical exercise speeds up blood circulation to brain and brain gets well nourished as well as brain gets rid of waste products. Physical exercise is necessary for enhancing power of concentration.

Study in a place with no or less distractions.

Your study place should be free from such things which may absorb your attention, i.e television, music, changing color bulbs, maps etc. Similarly study in quiet place free from sound distractions.

Avoid multi-tasking.

While you study avoid playing with other things. Like you study as well as texting to friends on cell phone or making hair styles or one eye on television and one eye on book. Similarly study one subject in one time.

Have free mind.

Throw off your mind all the irrelevant thoughts while you study. If you are obsessed by a certain idea, try to find a solution to your problem first. Stress makes it difficult to concentrate.

Fixation of priorities.

Fixation of priorities, what should be done first and what should be done next, is very important for having full concentration in your work. If you don’t fix your priorities and work haphazardly, it is more likely you start thinking while doing one task “shouldn’t I do the other task first as that is more important”. This thought will not let you work with concentration. Make time-table for your subject and follow it.

Take short breaks in long study.

If you study for a long time, you get bore and can’t maintain concentration on work. You should refresh your mind by taking short breaks to maintain your concentration on study.

Have interest in your study.

Lack of motivation and interest leads to boredom and dividend attention so develop your interest in your studies.      

Have good breakfast.

Your breakfast should contain items with high protein content, carbohydrates and low sugar content. When you get up from sleep, have good diet though normally you should take light diet.

Don’t take too much tea or coffee.

              Tea or coffee has caffeine that gives you more strength for sometime but soon leaves you sluggish.

Concentration Exercises.

            There some exercises which improve your power of concentration i.e. yoga, self-hypnosis, looking at a round spot on wall with full attention etc. There are books on these things you can study. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Death

Peter Dazeley/The Image Bank/Getty Images

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

The other day, I heard someone say, "Well,rheumatoid arthritis doesn't kill you." Not wanting to get into a long, involved conversation at the time, I muttered inaudibly, "Actually, it's more complicated than that."

Rheumatoid arthritis is not generally considered a fatal or terminal disease. In fact, it is commonly referred to as a chronic disease, meaning that you will have it for the duration of your life. The disease is linked to a higher risk of complications that can be fatal, though.

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with reduced life expectancy, in large part due to the complications which can develop. It has been estimated that life expectancy can be cut by approximately 10 years for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis is thought to indirectly cause the shortened lifespan, as well as play a role in heightening the risk of serious infection, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and metabolic disease -- any of which could contribute to premature death.

Cardiovascular Disease

The link between rheumatoid arthritis and increased cardiovascular disease has been well-studied and continues to be a focus of research. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among rheumatoid arthritis patients. Approximately 40% of deaths in rheumatoid arthritis are attributed to cardiovascular events.

People with rheumatoid arthritis have a two-fold increased risk of heart attack or stroke compared to people without rheumatoid arthritis. The risk escalates to nearly three-fold in patients who have had rheumatoid arthritis for 10 or more years.

Interestingly though, usual risk factors for cardiovascular disease don't explain the whole picture in people with rheumatoid arthritis. There are other pathogenic (disease-causing) mechanisms at play, primarily related to systemic inflammation. Such mechanisms may include pro-oxidative dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of fat in the blood), insulin resistance, predisposition to blood clots, high levels of homocysteine in the blood, and certain immune functions, such as T-cell activation.

Yet another interesting point -- rheumatoid arthritis patients are less likely to report chest pains than those without rheumatoid arthritis. They are more inclined to experience unrecognized myocardial infarction (heart attack) or sudden cardiac death.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, obesity, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia is highly prevalent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Higher inflammatory markers and the use of glucocorticoids are considered predictors of the presence of metabolic syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

One study, published in the January 2011 issue of the Journal of Rheumatologyconsidered whether rheumatoid arthritis patients without obvious signs of cardiovascular disease had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The conclusion was that rheumatoid arthritis patients had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

Atherosclerosis

Rheumatoid arthritis patients have a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis than those without rheumatoid arthritis. Atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis may share several pathogenic mechanisms, and systemic inflammation is likely among them. There may also be genetic processes involved. Autoimmune processes possibly play a role in both rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, too.

Serious Infections

Rheumatoid arthritis patients have been shown to have an increased risk of infection. According to one study, published in the September 2002 issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism, which assessed predictors of infection in rheumatoid arthritis, increased age, extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (i.e., factors other than joint involvement), comorbidities, and use of corticosteroids were strong predictors of infection. Interestingly, according to study results in the May 2013 Journal of Rheumatology the rate of serious infection in rheumatoid arthritis patients has declined in the past few years.

Gastrointestinal Perforation

Another potential cause of death related to rheumatoid arthritis is gastrointestinal perforation. It is uncommon, but a serious adverse event when it does occur. Patients being treated with glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or who have a history of diverticulitis are at higher risk for gastrointestinal problems.

Sources:

Rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Dhawan SS et al. Current Atheroclerosis Reports. 2008 Apr;10(2):128-33.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18417067/

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Diagnosis and Treatment. Cush JJ et al. Third Edition. Professional Communications, Inc. Copyright 2010.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders: Metabolic Syndrome in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A case control study. Rosom S et. al. 4/26/13.
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/14/147

Increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome associated with rheumatoid arthritis in patients without clinical cardiovascular disease. Crowson CS et al. Journal of Rheumatology January 2011.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20952464

Atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis: more than a simple association. Cavagna l et al. Mediators of Inflammation. 2012;2012:147354. 9/13/2012.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23024462

Trends in serious infections in rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Rheumatology. Ni Mhuircheartaigh et al. May 2013.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23547208

Predictors of infection in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism. Doran MF et al. September 2002.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12355476

The incidence of gastrointestinal perforations among rheumatoid arthritis patients. Arthritis & Rheumatism. Curtis JR et al. February 2011.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20967860

Thanks:about.com

How to Improve Blood Circulation

Proper blood circulation in the body is important for optimum health. It is through blood circulation that nutrients, minerals and oxygen get transferred to different parts of the body. Also, proper circulation promotes cell growth and organ function.

Poor blood circulation can affect the entire body, including the brain, heart, liver, kidneys and the limbs. It can be a contributing factor in a variety of health problems.

Common symptoms of poor circulation are numbness or tingling sensations in certain body parts, cold hands and feet, fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, dry skin, edema, headaches, muscle cramps, pain in the legs, and an irregular heartbeat.

Many factors can contribute to poor blood circulation, such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive drinking, caffeine, poor eating habits and long hours sitting at work.

It can also be due to medical conditions like pregnancy, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, obesity, high blood pressure, nerve disorders, anemia, narrowed or blocked blood vessels, and food allergies.

You can improve the flow of blood throughout your body by making lifestyle changes, eating a healthy diet and using home remedies. Those suffering from circulatory disorders must consult a doctor.

Here are the top 10 ways to improve blood circulation.

1. Exercise

Exercise is the best way to promote good blood circulation. There is no need to perform rigorous weight training exercises. In fact, simple and mild aerobic exercises are enough to improve blood flow.

• Walk for a minimum of 30 minutes, at least 5 times a week.
• Enjoy swimming, jogging, biking, trekking and similar activities, a few times a week.
• Do simple foot and hand exercises for 15 minutes daily in the morning.

Note: Do not over-exert yourself with exercise, especially when your circulation is poor.

2. Massage

Regular massage helps move blood through the congested areas. A relaxing massage of the whole body helps dilate the blood vessels, which in turn facilitates blood flow.

1. Warm up some olive, coconut or almond oil. You can also add a few drops of rosemary oil.
2. Using gentle yet firm strokes, massage the hands, legs, ankles and other body parts with the oil.
3. Wait for some time, then take a warm bath.
4. Enjoy massage a few times a week.

Note: When doing massage, keep the movements directed toward the heart to promote venous blood and lymph flow.

3. Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is another simple and effective way to improve blood circulation. It helps dilate the blood vessels and thus promoting blood flow.

Enjoy a hot bath, steam bath, whirlpool bath, or sauna a few times a week.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is a wonderful spice that can help improve blood circulation. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, helps prevent blood platelets from forming clots and reduces plaque buildup in the arteries.

According to a 2012 study published in the journal Nutrition Research, curcumin supplements positively affect blood flow similar to exercise.

• Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and a little honey to a glass of warm milk. Drink it 1 or 2 times daily.
• Take turmeric supplements, after consulting a doctor.
• Also, include turmeric in your cooking.

5. Cayenne

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin that helps stimulate the proper flow of blood throughout the body and organs. It also strengthens the arteries and capillaries. Plus, it helps reduce symptoms of poor blood circulation like pain, headaches, cold feet and tingling sensations in the legs.

• Mix ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder, 2 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses in a cup of water. Drink this mixture twice daily.
• Also, include cayenne pepper in your cooking or take a supplement after consulting your doctor.

Note: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid consuming cayenne pepper.

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is very beneficial for improving blood circulation. It has healthy fats and contains medium-chain triglycerides that help relieve inflammation of the arteries. This in turn improves blood flow throughout the body.

• Consume 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil daily.
• You can also use warm coconut oil to massage your hands and legs daily.

  7. Green Tea

  
  Green tea is rich in antioxidants that help relax the arteries and improve circulation. It is associated with an increase in nitric oxide levels, a powerful vasodilator. It helps  widen blood vessels, thus increasing blood flow.
  1. Put a green tea bag in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes.
  2. Squeeze out the excess tea by pressing the tea bag against the cup with a spoon.
  3. Remove the bag, add honey and drink it.
  4. Drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily.

  8. Dark Chocolate

  
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  The cocoa in dark chocolate helps improve blood flow. Moreover, according to a 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, dark chocolate improves blood flow to the legs by affecting bio-chemicals that prompt arteries to widen.
  Eat a small piece of dark chocolate daily to improve circulation. However, be sure to choose dark chocolate that is at least 70 percent cocoa.

  9. Ginger

  
  Ginger is a common kitchen ingredient that can help improve blood circulation. It contains compounds like gingerols and zingerone that have a warming effect on the body, resulting in good blood circulation.
  Regular consumption of ginger also prevents blood clots in the body and reduces the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.
  • Drink ginger tea 2 or 3 times a day. To make the tea, boil 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced ginger in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain, add honey and drink it.
  • You can also chew some fresh ginger slices daily or include dry or fresh ginger in your cooking.
  • Another option is to take ginger tablets after consulting your doctor.

  10. Garlic

  
  Garlic promotes blood circulation, lowers blood pressure and prevents blood platelet aggregation. It is effective in preventing plaque buildup in the arteries and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition in 2006 found that garlic is good for cardiovascular health.
  • Eat 2 to 3 raw garlic cloves daily on an empty stomach.
  • Also, include garlic in your daily cooking or take a supplement after consulting your doctor.
  Additional Tips
  • Do not sit or stand in the same position for too long. Take regular breaks every couple of hours.
  • Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
  • If you smoke, it is important to quit.
  • Avoid eating foods that are high in saturated fats.
  • Limit your salt consumption.
  • Elevate your legs and hands to increase circulation in these body parts.
  • Eat fruits rich in vitamin C as it helps keep the lining of the arteries strong.
  • Eat fresh fruits and leafy vegetables that have high levels of antioxidants in them.
  • Drink plenty of water every day to hydrate the cells and encourage a regular supply of minerals.
  • Consider taking omega-3 supplements after consulting your doctor.
  • Do dry-skin brushing to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation.
  • Acupressure and acupuncture also facilitate smooth circulation.
  Resources:
  jn.nutrition.org/content/136/3/736S.abstract
  http://jaha.ahajournals.org/content/3/4/e001072.full

Swine Flu (H1N1): What you should know – Signs, Myths, Tips & More

Swine Flu (H1N1): What you should know – Signs, Myths, Tips & More

H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease caused by the H1N1 influenza virus strain. This virus infects the cells that line your nose, throat and lungs. This flu is commonly known as the swine flu.

H1N1 flu was first detected in 2009. Since then, people have continued to become infected and the number of deaths from it is increasing day by day.

It is a highly contagious disease that spreads quickly from person to person through air, mucus and saliva particles. Children under age 5 and people age 50 and older are at a higher risk of suffering from swine flu.Other risk factors include respiratory disorders, a weak immune system and pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms of H1N1 Flu

Swine flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. They include fever, runny nose, sore throat, congestion, diarrhea, chills, body aches, nausea and vomiting. The symptoms develop about one to three days after being exposed to the virus and last for about one or two weeks.

As most symptoms of swine flu and seasonal flu are the same, it is recommended to consult your doctor for proper diagnosis, especially if you are living in a swine flu affected area.

A laboratory test will help diagnose the disease and timely treatment can prevent complications.

People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease are more likely to get complications due to the infection.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, sudden dizziness, confusion, pain in the chest or abdomen, or if your flu symptoms improve but come back with a worse fever or cough.

Common Myths about H1N1 Swine Flu

Myth 1: You can get H1N1 flu from eating pork.
This is wrong. You cannot catch H1N1 flu from eating pork or pork products. Though similar to the influenza viruses that occur in pigs, the H1N1 virus is different from the swine flu viruses that circulate in pigs.

The H1N1 virus spreads through droplets expelled in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. When a healthy person comes in contact with the contaminated air or surface, the virus enters the body.

Swine farmers and veterinarians, however, are more prone to true swine flu.

Myth 2: There is no treatment for swine flu.
This is also not true. There are antiviral drugs that can help treat H1N1 influenza. These drugs can shorten the duration as well as intensity of symptoms. However, timely diagnosis and treatment is essential to get the most benefits from the drugs.

For treating H1N1 flu, there are currently four antiviral drugs approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) – oseltamivir, zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine.

Myth 3: Vaccination offers complete protection.

It is true that vaccination can protect you from the H1N1 virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu vaccination for all people older than 6 months of age. The vaccine is available from your doctor or some convenience clinics as an injection or a nasal spray.

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However, bear in mind that the vaccine offers a one-year protection against the virus. Therefore, to protect yourself from this deadly influenza, you need to get the vaccination every year.

Myth 4: H1N1 influenza is not contagious.

This is completely false. This disease is highly contagious and spreads quickly from the infected person to other healthy persons. The virus spreads through contaminated air and surfaces.

To protect yourself from coming in contact with this virus, maintain distance from infected people, regularly wash your hands with soap, wash clothes in warm water and clean your office and house with disinfectant daily.

Tips to Stop the Spread of the H1N1 Virus

As the total number of deaths due to H1N1 flu is increasing day by day, the WHO has declared the infection a global pandemic. Therefore, it’s important to take precautionary tips to prevent it.

• Wash your hands with soap and water several times a day.
• Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you while traveling.
• Avoid frequently touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.
• Avoid close contact with people suffering from any kind of flu.
• Get plenty of sleep to help your body rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids (clean water and homemade juices and smoothies).
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• During the flu season, use a face or nose mask when going out.
• Do not carry around partially used tissues. Once used, throw them in the trash and get a new tissue the next time you need one.
• If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home and avoid spreading the virus.
• If you have a fever, place a cool compress on your forehead, arms and legs to reduce discomfort.
• Use a humidifier in your room to make breathing easier.
• Gargling with warm salt water will help soothe a sore throat.
• During the flu season, increase your intake of immune-boosting foods like garlic, Indian gooseberry, ginger, turmeric, aloe vera and basil.
• Drink a few cups of basil, ginger or green tea daily.
• Drink 1 to 2 glasses of warm turmeric milk daily to keep your immune system strong.
• Be active and do some daily exercises to stay healthy and boost your immune system.

Resources:
http://www.flu.gov/about_the_flu/h1n1/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/keyfacts-variant.htm