a bit of basic hygiene can be as effective as using the influenza drug Tamiflu

Worried about the swine influenza virus? Is there something you can do to protect your family? Government health agencies are saying that people should not panic and make any changes to their lives at present but there is no harm in knowing what you should do should the swine influenza pandemic break out in the United Kingdom.

There are number of things you can do to greatly reduce the chances of you contracting the virus in the first place. Firstly eating healthily has shown to strengthen the body against all influenza viruses.  You need to make sure that you have good levels of Vitamin C in your diet and you can get these from eating lots of fruit and vegetables.

Probably the best tip we can give you is to make sure that you wash your hands often especially when you have been touching surfaces in public places. Using normal soap and water is fine and you don’t have to get a special antibacterial soap. People are unaware of exactly how often they touch their mouths with their own hands which have been touching surfaces which could have been touched by other people who have an influenza virus. 

Covering your mouth with a mask and obviously staying away from people who are coughing and sneezing can also reduce the chances of you contracting influenza viruses. Scientists reckon that a bit of basic hygiene can be as effective as using the influenza drugs Tamiflu and Relenza.

If the pandemic does strike in the United Kingdom you should try to limit going out to public places as much as possible. Crowded places like underground stations and public transport should be avoided and you should attempt to do as much work as you can at home rather than going into the office.

Mexican restaurants in the United Kingdom have already suffered a downturn in business and it is likely that should an influenza pandemic break out in the United Kingdom all restaurants will lose business as people stay at home. Stocking up on supplies now is not such a bad idea as it means that you won’t have to go out if it strikes.