[BC] BDR Flu Article

[Stevan A. White]

Barry,

While not something we usually consider "broadcast related," I 
thought the article on flu and sickness prevention was 
well-placed.  Having just been through the unpleasant process of a 
doctor's office visit, posterior pincushion treatment, AND needing 
Tamiflu, I heartily recommend your article for the required reading 
list with a couple of extra added notes.  Hand washing, or 
sanitizing, is probably the single most important thing we can do to 
help reduce the spread of germs.  Airborne germs are inhaled by 
unwitting recipients and they incubate in our mouths, throats, and 
nasal passages.  All warm, damp environments highly conducive to germ 
growth and "retransmission."  Drinking a lot of hot tea or coffee 
will wash those germs and viruses into the stomach where they cannot 
grow because there is no oxygen present to feed them.  This and 
frequent gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash will go a long way to 
keep a person healthy.  Rinsing the nasal passages will also help but 
not too many folks know how to do this the right way.  Use of a 
buffered saline solution is necessary to keep the nasal passage 
membranes from becoming irritated and perhaps inflamed.  If your 
nasal passages are inflamed they are an open gateway for a germ 
warfare initiative invading your bloodstream quickly and without a 
first line of defense.  Many pharmacies and health food stores sell 
nasal wash supplies at a reasonable cost.  Regardless of what they 
cost they are far less than prescriptions and time off 
work.  Ibuprofen is quite effective for reducing body aches and fever 
and is available everywhere.  And, it should go without saying, 
adequate rest is essential.  Perhaps these tips from me and my doctor 
will be helpful to those who want to keep their good health and bank 
account intact.

Doctor's office visit: $70
Vaccination: $25
Tamiflu; 10 capsules: $117.99
Time off work: Pricey

Best Regards,
Stevan A. White, W5SAW
Cell Phone 806-681-7228
<mailto:w5saw at pathwayz.com>w5saw at pathwayz.com