How to stay healthy/flu-free during the holidays.

The swine flu or H1N1 virus seems to be everywhere worldwide and people are worried about it, even at family get-togethers.  You might not be asking Uncle Ted to pass you the cranberry sauce this year, you might instead be asking him to pass the hand sanitizer.

Swine flu has sickened an estimated 22 million Americans, hospitalized about 98,000 and killed 4,000 since it was first identified last April. It is similar to seasonal flu but poses a much bigger threat to children and young adults.

So, just what can you do to prevent this pandemic?  What should you do if you are traveling or are getting together with folks?

Here are the steps to take. This is Swine Flu prevention 101.  It's worth printing it out and posting it on your fridge, even young children can follow the advice:

1.  Keep your immune system healthy.  Take a multivitamin daily.  A zinc tablet is great for warding of all kinds of illnesses and keeping your immune system strong.

2.  Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.  Use your elbow, not your hand.

3.  Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water.

4.  Use hand sanitizer where you cannot wash your hands.

5.  Don't go to large gatherings.  If you're invited to a Thanksgiving event, even if it's with family, don't go.

6.  Don't shake hands or share cups of wine at large gatherings like church.

7.  Wear a mask over your face if you need to.

8.  Stay home at the first sign of feeling sick and call your doctor. Don't pass it along to co-workers or others.

With some simple prevention, you should be able to avoid this pandemic that could spoil  your vacation or holiday event.

If you happen to be in the San Francisco area one of THE best places to buy your vitamins is from Sunshine Health Foods. Boosting your immune system is very important.  Service is super friendly and they are chock full of advice for anything that ails you.  They ship to the world (so round the block or across the city is just fine too). Tel:415 664 7500.

For more ways to help your children deal with the swine flu, click here.