H1N1 for the Vulnerable & Uninsured

Aton Edwards, Executive Director of the International Preparedness Network

Our community is particularly vulnerable to H1N1 due to the high level of people who have pre-existing conditions that will exacerbate the illness when contracted.

Asthmatics, heart patients, diabetics, elders & children (younger people under 18) seem to be the most vulnerable to this strain and need to be extra careful. If they are unfortunate enough to contract the illness and cannot afford health insurance, they can do the following:

Use natural anti-virals such as astragalus (this helps to treat many viral infections. Echinacea (eucalyptus globulus) is very good at helping you to resist viruses, as is garlic, licorice and a very powerful natural agent drawn from elderberries called Sambucol. It is one of the best available.

To prevent infection, you must follow a strict protocol. For public transportation, travel when the crowds are lightest, before rush hour & after. Avoid public gatherings where crowding is commonplace such as nightclubs, parties, bars, restaurants, etc.. Wash hands frequently, use hand sanitizer with moisturizers, to prevent drying your skin. Disinfect public laundry/washing machines before using (Lysol). Use your elbow or a handy object (pen, key) to press elevator buttons, wash your hands after using public phones, computers or touching any other frequently used public devices such as escalator railings, toilets, shopping carts, & bathroom door handles.

If you work in a public environment as a bus & cab driver, bank teller, etc., wear a partial face respirator mask of the N, P, R, 95 or 100 class, eye covering, and hand protection.

If you have children in elementary school, you will need to teach them how to correctly wash their hands and when to do it.

Following these steps can help you safeguard yourself from contracting H1N1 and other strains of the flu. If you are unlucky enough to catch it, use the natural remedies when you can. If you are hospitalized, ask your doctor if you can use Relenza in the aerosol form as this has proven to show excellent results in a number of patients with severe symptoms.

*Each family should consult their own doctor and use discretion when deciding whether to receive the H1N1 vaccine for high-risk members.

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