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 the Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).  Dr. Goyal offers the following information about maintaining your health regarding H1N1.
                
HOW IT WORKS: The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat.  In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions.  Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as its proliferation.  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).

WHAT TO DO ~ STAYING HEALTHY AT HEARST CASTLE:

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
                
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach.  Resist all temptations to touch any part of your face (unless you want to eat, bathe, etc.).
                
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 or 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 the 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 they also contain Zinc to boost absorption.
                
6. Drink as many warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc.) 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.

If you remember nothing else: First thing ~ always, always wash your hands when you come in from your tour or contact with the public.  It's your best defense!  (...and try not to touch the handrails.)