RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Any flu outbreak can stir up dangerous complications, but the novel H1N1 virus, known also as swine flu, has been shown in studies to invade deeper into the lungs than seasonal flu. This is particularly problematic for the roughly 7 percent of the American population that suffers from asthma. Whatever our particular vulnerability to flu complications, we can all act now to ditch common household lung irritants, and enter the flu season with the healthiest set of pipes possible.
THE DETAILS: Fall can be a challenging time for the lungs, especially for children. While respiratory infections are quite common in kids (they average 5 to 10 a year), a back-to-school return of the swine flu virus could prove far more serious than your average cold, seasonal flu, or sinus infection because young people seem to have little immunity to the novel virus. “In the next month, we’re going into the usual respiratory infection season,” explains Richard Gower, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “Back-to-school infection rates rise because kids are commingling at school, and kids don’t typically wash their hands enough or cover their mouths when they sneeze.” Which allows flu virus and other infectious agents to stay in the population longer, and infect adults as well.
WHAT IT MEANS: No one can predict if the swine flu virus will return with a vengeance this fall, if it will mutate into a more dangerous (or weaker) form, or if it’ll fizzle out without causing much fuss. But it is coming. After the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in June, the virus continued to circulate around the country, while other strains intermingled with seasonal flu virus in the Southern Hemisphere. Strong, healthy lungs will have a better chance of getting through the outbreak without problems.
Here are some ways to boost the health of your lungs before a potential fall H1N1 outbreak:
Ditch the in-house irritants. You don’t have to suffer from asthma for your lungs to become irritated by airborne chemicals. Unfortunately, we unknowingly unleash many common chemical lung irritants into our homes every day. To build up lung health, ditch colognes, perfumes, hairspray, air fresheners, carpet cleaners, and other harsh cleaning products. “All of these chemicals have potential risks, some we don’t even know yet, but they can trigger twitchy lungs,” explains Dr. Gower.
You can combine 1 part white vinegar and 9 parts water for a cheap, easy, and effective cleaning solution that won’t irritate your lungs. Trade in fragranced soaps, shampoos, and pump hairspray for unscented brands. Just look on the label; if it lists perfume, parfum, or fragrance as an ingredient, it contains chemical scents, not natural ones.
Monitor your breath. Healthy people with asthma should breathe into peak flow meters—simple devices available from a doctor—at least once a week to learn what their normal range is. “If it starts dropping, that’s a warning to seek medical attention,” says Dr. Gower.
Dodge allergy triggers. In August throughout the Midwest and East, ragweed triggers breathing problems. So be smart and avoid mowing the grass if this plant causes asthma flare-ups or severe allergies. Avoid being around tobacco smoke, and performing outdoor activities on smoggy days too. These tactics will help anybody’s lungs but are especially important for people with asthma or severe allergies. “You don’t want to go into September viral season with a low threshold,” says Dr. Gower.
Take your medicine. People with asthma often take prescribed medicine that can calm down inflammation in their lungs. Dr. Gower urges parents to make sure their kids are taking their controller meds consistently now, to stabilize their lungs before flu season hits. And as always, everyone should eat a healthy diet and get enough rest, to give your immune system the best chance of fending off a swine flu infection.
Also, check out the remedy finder for more natural asthma cures