How Can My Family Avoid The Swine Flu? Here's How To Avoid The H1n1 Virus

Is it possible to avoid the swine flu? There are some practical measures you can take to prevent exposure and help you avoid the H1N1 virus. You probably already know most of these steps because they involve common horse sense. But in light of the H1N1 pandemic, let's review them anyway.

The simple habit of hand washing is your most effective defense against contracting the virus. Use hot water and soap and wash up to your elbows. Be particularly aware of doing this this right after you have been in a situation that may have exposed you to the virus --"" such as being in a public place where you had to touch things. If you can't use soap and water, carry an antibacterial hand sanitzer with you --- and use it.

Think about items that are touched frequently by many people, some of them carrying the swine flu virus. High on the list would be doorknobs! Doorknobs are touched by everyone going in or coming out of any given door. In a public place this might mean thousands of people --- many who may be carrying the virus.

When you are grocery shopping, do you think about how many people have had their hands exactly where your hands now rest on your shopping cart? Or next time you are eating lunch at a local cafe, consider how many people have held the same menu you are now holding. How many people have picked up the same salt and pepper shakers you are using?

Ever thought about how many sick people have handled the magazines in the waiting room at your doctor's office? If you are going to the doctor, bring your own reading material. If carrying around magazines is too bulky, bring a pocket book, or try a Kindle.

Did you know the average kitchen sponge has nearly 20 million microbes on it? Do you really want to wipe your dishes and counters with that? If you think soaking it in bleach water will eradicate the beasties, the USDA's Agricultural Research Service says you're wrong. Your dishwasher will do the job if the water is hot enough, or you can cook it in your microwave oven for one minute.

Do you regularly wipe down your keyboard and mouse with a disinfectant wipe? You should, because chances are it is crawling with germs and viruses. The average personal keyboard has 21,000 germs per square inch! Compare that to the typical toilet. A "clean" toilet only has 41 germs per square inch!

You should also watch out for the remote control for your television set, or other electronic devices. Commonly used telephones may be crawling with germs and viruses, as might be the steering wheel in your family car, or the hand strap you use on your daily subway or bus ride to and from work.

When you think in terms of things other people touch --- you will be well on your way to discovering how to avoid the H1N1 virus. So, if you have been wondering how to avoid the swine flu this season, keep these simple pointers in mind and you might just be able to dodge the anticipated H1N1 epidemic. At the very least you will minimize its impact on you and your family.