On the 15 Sep 2009 the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) released an update on the latest swine flu statistics. They confirmed that South Africa has 11 253 confirmed swine flu cases in total and 47 laboratory-confirmed deaths. These statistics are high, and we should be doing everything we can to avoid adding to them.  It is important for all of us to be cautious and prevent the spread of swine flu.  Therefore, we are providing you with some helpful hints on swine flu prevention.

• Wash your hands- wash them often, in hot soapy water.
• Avoid contact with people coughing and sneezing.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Throw your used tissue in the rubbish bin and wash your hands.
• Get Enough Sleep. Try to get 8 hours of good rest each night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.
• Stay at home if you are sick. Do not go to school or work until you are better.
• Get fresh air into your home everyday. Open your windows for a while, or spend some time outdoors.  If you use public transport, you must always sit at a window and keep it open.
• Keep Hydrated.  Drink 8-10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.
• Give a sick person a separate space at home and check on the patient frequently.
• Eat Immune Boosting Foods.  Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. Fatty foods can slow your metabolism, make you feel sluggish, and compromise your immune system. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.
• People at high risk e.g. those with chronic diseases (HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, heart disease etc.) or pregnant women should seek medical advice if they have flu.
• Avoid Alcohol.  It is an immune suppressant that can actually decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu. For women, alcohol suppresses estrogen production, which further impairs the immune system. So avoid alcoholic beverages to keep your immune system strong.
• Keep Physically Active. You should try mild to moderate exercise (fast walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week) Exercise supports the immune system by increasing circulation, oxygenating the body, removing toxins through sweat, and releasing tension and stress.
• Seek care if there are suspicious signs: shortness of breath, pain in chest, vomiting a lot, very weak, very high temperature, pale or blue lips or drowsiness.

The most effective way to protect yourself and others from infection is to follow good hygiene practices. This will help to slow the spread of the virus.

For more information on Swine flu, follow this link:

 Sources:

• BWASA
• Emaxhealth