Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 12:25 AM

The following advice, given by Dr. Oz, makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know:

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 or bathe.)

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine or Hydrogen Peroxide 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 hasthe 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 warmsalt water, or hydrogen peroxide. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose softly once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*

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.

Manitobans are lining up for their shots

HINI Flu - Big Decision to be made by each individual

I am wavering whether to take the flu shot or not. My co-worker advises that I should because my job exposes me to the public. I am never in favour of taking something that is not absolutely necessary and I have an innate belief that the body should be allowed to fight off a virus as much as possible so that it can develop its own immunity to the bugger for later on.

This could be foolhardy. The fact is that I am not within the high risk category. I am not very old or young but sitting comfortably in the middle somewhere. I have a few weeks to think deeply about it.

Those people who have compromised immunity I would strongly encourage to take it because your body just do not have the same capacity as the rest of us. Those within the risk category should take it, I think. It is the prudent thing to do.

I have to say this - the media and pharmaceutical companies got us over a barrel with all kinds of fears about the disease. I am always skeptical when this happens because someone benefits - in this case, the pharmaceutical industry and big business. Do you know how much money will be going into the coffers of pharmaceutical companies having people all over the world taking their vaccines for fear of contracting it and dying. I think the public never really knows how bad it is - if one or two person dies - good Lord a pandemic is upon us and everyone goes helter skelter. What can I say I am a born skeptic. I hope you have an easier time making a decision. According to reports, many Manitobans have no second thoughts about it they just do what their doctors tell them to do like obedient children.