Here are a few step to take steps, provided by UCSF Medical Center, to reduce the risks of H1N1 flu infection:

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as 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 practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1.    Frequent 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 or bathe);

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/ nasal cavity 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 preventive method

4.    Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. 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;

5.    Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (especially citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption;

6.    Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

A couple more suggestions that I would include stemming from my several years of being involved in the dental profession where infection control and good hygiene practices are critically important:

1.  wipe down phones & office space especially if it is a shared desk

2. Carry towelettes or antibacterial solution to wipe hands down after leaving a public place or touching publicly used items like shopping carts.

Here’s to a healthy end of the year!