Ok, so H1N1 swine flu has been THE hot topic lately now that it's getting colder.  Yes, we're all kind of getting sick of it, pun intended, but it's important.  This doesn't have anything to do with bean bags, but this short guide has great tips on ways to battle cold and flu bugs. You'll read things you didn't know!

1. Sleep - Since chronic sleep loss is shown to hurt the immune system, getting enough sleep is invaluable. Longer, better sleep can in fact boost your defenses.  Tests show that less than 7 hours a night triples the chance of catching a bug!  Folks who toss and turn for more than 8% of the time are 5 times more likely!
2. Act Now - As soon as you get symptoms, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, etc. - start an "older-class" antihistamine every 12 hours, or what your doctor recommends (i.e. chlorpheniramine like Dayquil or Sudafed) so you'll sneeze and blow your nose less. Too much nose-blowing can lead to ear infections. Symptoms get stronger in the first 48 hours, so that's when you need to attack them.
3. Wash - Handwashing is still the best way to reduce spreading and getting bugs. Plain soap is great to simply wash the germs away.  In fact, antibacterial soaps have antibiotics, which don't kill cold or flu viruses, but they can make antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Eeks! Antiseptic soap does kill bacteria and viruses, and hand sanitizer gel is good too.
4. Keep Noses Clear - Use a saline nasal wash to flush out viruses and bacteria and to remove mucus.  It's just safe salt water if used correctly!  Some commercial decongestants can be bad on blood pressure for some people, so saline is natural relief.
5. Be Active - Regular exercise increases macrophage cells, which kill bugs!  Activity also makes immunity cells more reactive to bugs as soon as they try to get you.  But do NOT overdo it, since over 90 minutes of high-intensity workouts can make you more prone to catching something.  If you're already sick, just rest and exercise later.

Did you know: Flu season runs from November to April, so get vaccinated even if you think it's too late.  H1N1 occurs throughout the year!  You need 2 weeks for vaccines to kick in.  You need a separate H1N1 vaccine and seasonal flu vaccine, and can get them at the same time.

You are contagious 1 day before and 7 days after you have symptoms.  Kids can be contagious longer.  Stay home, kick back in your bean bag chair, and avoid people if you have the flu, especially H1N1.

Don't know if it's a cold or the flu?

Symptoms	Cold	Flu (including H1N1)
Sore Throat	Usually	Sometimes
Runny, stuffy nose	Usually	Sometimes
Cough	Sometimes	Often, can worsen
Fever, Chills	Rarely, or low-grade 102F or less	Usually, and over 102F *H1N1 can be very high.
Headache	Rarely	Usually
Muscle aches	Rarely	Usually, and often severe
Fatigue, weakness	Uncommon	Usually, persists 2-3 weeks
Nausea	No, loss of appetite possible	Usually, *H1N1 can have diarrhea

Disease severity: how serious can it get?

Milder, few complications, includes sinus or ear infection

Higher risk of severe complications (pneumonia, hospitalization, high fever, death). Children, elderly, people with ear infections or chronic conditions at high risk.

*courtesy of the Costco Connection

Although H1N1 has been reported in all U.S. states, it isn't always a disaster.  My friend's 4 year old daughter got it, but very mildly, and recovered within a week.  BUT...don't take chances and do what you can.  Stay healthy!

Yours Truly, Jade