Foods to avoid for swine flu

Swine flu is a type of influenza caused by the H1N1 virus. An outbreak of swine flu was first recorded in Spain in 1918. Now it is posing a threat to become a pandemic with people across nations getting infected with this virus. This is an acute respiratory condition characterized by symptoms like high fever, cough and severe trouble in breathing. Chills and shivers, body aches and muscle cramps, sore throat, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea and fatigue are among the other common symptoms of this condition.

Swine flu is highly contagious as the H1N1 virus gets easily transmitted from one person to another through droplets of mucus present in the air one breathes out through the nose and the mouth.

Though research is still going on about the nature of the infection and its possible cures and swine flu vaccines have been released in the market, it is a good option to take a few basic preventive measures to avoid this ailment.

Avoiding public places, especially restrooms, is advisable as these are the most fertile grounds for the breeding of the swine flu virus. Wash your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizing liquid at regular intervals in order to minimize the chances of the germs breeding on your fingers and getting transferred into the body through them.

Avoid sharing food and drink with others, as this puts you under the risk of getting infected by the virus.

It is also useful to cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissue paper or a clean handkerchief when you are in crowded places. Use of facial masks is also gaining popularity, though it is necessary that you keep replacing the used mask at short intervals.

Besides these general precautionary measures, you may also follow a few dietary tips to prevent swine flu. Chew a couple of raw garlic cloves just before or during every meal. Garlic has strong antiviral properties that boost the body’s natural immunity and help defend it from infections.

You should also add a pinch of cinnamon powder to a tablespoon of honey and consume this mixture if you have symptoms of common cough and cold. A mixture of half a teaspoon each of raw ginger juice and the juice of fresh basil leaves, and a tablespoon of honey should also be consumed every morning. In addition, make sure that you wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly with water before eating them and cook meat well before consumption.