OT - H1N1 Fringe Benefit to Nasal Rinsing?

Have been getting emails listing regular nasal rinsing as one tool for H1N1 prevention, as it supposedly keeps the cells from proliferating after exposure. Don't know how effective it is, but some on here who rinse as a part of their daily routine for using cpap may be ahead of the game. Think I'll pull my Neti Pot back out just in case.

I just received an email from my father-in-law regarding this.

I'm a newbie CPAP user and had planned on using my neti pot again before masking up for the evening.

It's good to know that I might be washing the swine fly away ...

That will only work if you wash your hands first. It is mostly spread through touch.

This is the best info I have seen about the H1N1 flu virus. Passing it on in hopes that we can all dodge this bullet

Happy Breathing From An RN Friend

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W). The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all of you to know The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not 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 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 has the 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 warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard 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 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.

Kathy & wlentz,

Kathy, starting this thread was a good idea, we can share information about keeping well.

wlentz,
Thanks for posting such timely information. I was aware of careful handwashing, but not the other information. I have copied it so I can share it with my friends.

Jan

Kathy, important post! HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (Cincinnati Native) was teased for showing the Media how to cough or sneeze. Caught my attention!!

I've been teaching my seven year old, who is home with a high fever today, how to cough or sneeze without spreading germs. You reminded me I need to clean all medical devices on a regular basis. Odds of me getting sick are likely and I'm a high risk patient for further complications..

Opportunity to further note, my Rhino Tip with a Water Pik is highly superior to just the NeilsMed bottle. I've never used a Netipot. Though, I do use the NeilsMed Solution and rinse out the Water Pik after use.

I get lazy and just use the NeilsMed bottle. It's less work and faster. Always fall back into some type of Nasal congestion. Of course, not as severe if I didn't irrigate at all.

It's wonderful not to depend on Prescription drugs to clear sinuses. Clear sinuses are such a benefit after growing up in the Ohio Valley. I thought being clogged was normal

Thanks again Kathy,

SG