Get Tips on Preventing, Treating Swine Flu

Aug. 4, 2009 — -- As the school year quickly approaches, many people are becoming more concerned about the possible spread of swine flu this fall. Find out what you can do to prevent the flu and what treatments you should get if you have it.

Check out the swine flu survival guide and get additional information below.

What You Need for a Flu Outbreak

Source: Consumer Reports

Keep a two-week supply of food and water in case you're confined to your home.

Surgical masks must have a rating from the Food and Drug Administration of at least N95 to help prevent the spread of the flu. The N95 designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small test particles.

If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face masks. However, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not completely eliminate the risk of illness or death

Masks need to be replaced often and disposed of after use. Kind of like a tissue -- once you use it, it's done.

If you take it off to eat, then you should put a new one on after that.

To safely discard your mask, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used mask.

Cough and cold medications must contain: chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, oxymetazoline and pseudoephedrine.

Chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine are both good for drying up post nasal drip, while oxymetazoline is good for a stuffy nose.

Pseudoephedrine helps to avoid rebound congestion.

Lozenges should have dyclonine, glycerin or honey. Dyclonine can work better than other sore throat treatments; glycerin and honey are good for easing cough.

Medicated lozenges don't work any better than nonmedicated, and medicated have the potential to pose risks to children.

Drinks like Gatorade or Powerade help keep you hydrated.