Relax – don’t panic. Read this article and note a few points on Swine flu. There is swine flu in Sharm. 3 of the private schools have reported cases of either staff or students having swine flu. So do not be deceived in thinking it’s not nearby, because it is. However, do not panic, it is not as bad as it may seem. Here are a few points on how to prevent it, and also what to look out for as symptoms, and what to do if you think you have it.

Prevention:
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, bathe or slap).

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 preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *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.* Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at most pharmacies in Sharm.

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other 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.

Symptoms:
So far, most swine flu cases in Sharm have been mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu.

If you or a member of your family has a fever or high temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms, you may have swine flu:
•    unusual tiredness, 
•    headache,
•    runny nose,
•    sore throat,
•    shortness of breath or cough,
•    loss of appetite, 
•    aching muscles,
•    diarrhea or vomiting.

What To Do If You Think You Have Swine Flu:
Call or head to Sinai Clinic or The Pyramids Hospital directly if:
•    you have a serious existing illness that weakens your immune system, such as cancer,
•    you are pregnant,
•    you have a sick child under one,
•    your condition suddenly gets much worse, or
•    your condition is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child).
•    Perform H1N1 test

Important Notes:
* Do not panic. Seriously. Read about swine flu very carefully before you start to panic that you have it. And if you do have it, do not worry, it will pass. It is like any other flu, and the treatment of it is available in Sharm.

For more information we recommend the following site:
http://www.nhs.uk