Spicy food: If you’ve ever had to grab a box of tissues after an ethnic meal, you’ll know how effective spices are at clearing the airways. Many spices also contain a variety of nutrients that help boost your immune system. These include onion, garlic, ginger, horseradish, and chilies. If you like spicy sauces, make sure to choose all-natural varieties—many companies now make preservative-free sauces that go with pretty much anything.

Chicken soup: There’s a reason there’s a whole series of feel-good books named after it. Chicken soup owes its healing power to its warmth, which helps to clear up clogged airways, and its mix of protein and vitamins, which helps you regain your energy. One caveat, though: store-bought soups don’t have the same nutritional value and tend to be high in sodium, which can do you more harm than good. Make your own at home and throw in your favourite vegetables and spices (see above) to maximize the benefits.

Fluids

Keeping hydrated is essential to cleaning up your system. Some drinks, however, bring in more bad stuff than they’re flushing out. Soda, coffee, and sweetened drinks are some of the worst. Instead, drink water or herbal tea whenever you need refreshments. Use honey instead of sugar if you like it sweet. Or for something simpler, take some hot water and add a slice of lime or lemon to change up the taste a bit. To satisfy your sweet tooth, opt for pure fruit juices (make your own if possible) instead of the kind made from concentrate.

Fruits and vegetables

On a regular day, a person needs about five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. During flu season, you’ll need a bit more than that, especially if your current diet has left your immune system weak. Citrus fruits are the obvious first choice, but they’re not the only ones. Guava, grapes, strawberries, and even potatoes and peppers pack a good dose of vitamin C. Sneak them into your meals whenever you can, and you’ll be surprised at how it all adds up.

Government health officials around the world are now on high alert to tackle, prepare, and prevent a swine flu pandemic.

“Every member of the public has a part to play in limiting the risk of a full-blown pandemic. So far, the rapid responses by governments and international agencies have triggered effective mechanisms to protect the public. But the vital role and responsibility of the individual should not be ignored.” *

The current Swine flu outbreak is certainly worse than normal seasonal flu. You need to be cautious and protect yourself for the sake of individual and public health, but don’t panic.

Here are some facts about Swine flu:

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine A viruses. Outbreaks in pigs occur year round, with an increased incidence in the autumn and winter in temperate zones. Although swine flu viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans.

What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?

Symptoms are expected to be similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing.  Some people with swine flu have reported a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

How does swine flu spread?

Flu viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur, in the same way as seasonal flu occurs, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the flu virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What can I do to prevent swine flu?

Reduce your risk of swine flu and other flu viruses:

* Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory symptoms such as coughing or sneezing

* Get plenty of rest and sleep when you are sick

* Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly

* Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth to spread germs

* Stay active, drink plenty of fluids and have a diet rich in vitamin C and antioxidants

Share this important information with others.

* Source: The Lancelot, Editorial online 29 April, 2009

Useful Links

Federal Department of Health and Ageing

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

World Health Organisation