New e-mail claims to have new tips to prevent H1N1

Tools

Story Published: Oct 29, 2009 at 6:26 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 29, 2009 at 6:26 PM MDT

By Hasti Taghi

Video

IDAHO FALLS - By now you know the simple tips. Wash your hands and cover your cough. But a new e-mail claims there's more. The message is supposedly advice from a Doctor Vinay Goyal. It includes six tips that sound enticing. But are they true? I ask Doctor Richard Nathan of the Idaho Falls Infectious Diseases office.

"Hand-washing," says Reporter Hasti Taghi.
"Wonderful," says Dr. Nathan.

"#2. Hands off the face approach," says Taghi.
"That's right keep your hands off the face. Don't rub your nose. Don't let your hands go anywhere near your face," says Dr. Nathan.

"H1N1 and all influenza are all respiratory illness so they enter our system through breathing," says Dr. Nathan.

So, it would only make sense that tips three and four would be legitimate. Not so says the doctor.

"Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or use Listerine," says Taghi, "clean your nostrils with warm salt water."
"I don't think that's ever been studied," says Dr. Nathan.

"When you do get sick, a lot of times docs say to gargle salt water. Why is that?" asks Taghi.
"It's symptomatic. It's great for symptomatic relief. In terms of efficacy, it's probably very little efficacy there," says Dr. Nathan.

OK on to the last two which could've fooled me.

"#5 boost your natural immunity with foods with vitamin C."
This tip also talks about extra vitamins.
"I don't think there is any utility for that. Usually people can get their vitamins through a well-balanced diet," says Dr. Nathan. "Helpful is doubtful. Harmful, probably not."

"Drink as much warm liquids as you can," reads Taghi.
"I don't think that's proven," says Dr. Nathan.

So of the six tips, Doctor Nathan suggests you follow the ones you already know. The simple hygiene rules.

Doctor Nathan suggests checking the Centers for Disease Control website for the validity of any information you may get about the H1N1 virus.
Go to:
www.cdc.gov

Current Weather

Current Temp 47.0 °F

Fair

Video

More Weather

Current Weather

More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.