14 H1N1 Cases in Costa Rica Since December; 5 Ways to Protect Yourself From This Disease

• comments
• 
• 

H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, is a virus that spread back in 2009 and was recognized by the World Health Organization as a pandemic, WebMD reported. It is not as common as when it first spread seven years ago, but FOX News Latino reported that at least 14 people have died from the H1N1 flu since December in Costa Rica. 22 other individuals remain hospitalized due to the virus.

"The patients showed complications, such as obesity and heart disease. We have conducted a technical assessment and concluded that the current situation doesn't warrant the cancellation of mass events," Health Minister Fernando Llorca said in a press conference.

Executive Vice President of the CCSS public health system Maria del Rocio Sáenz said that the virus' behavior should not be a "cause for alarm in the country." "There are no signs that the virus is changing or becoming a new one, as happened in 2009. It is just that the virus is in a special season," she added.

Meanwhile, it's doesn't hurt to get vaccinations, as per the U.S. CDC. In fact, they recommend to get a vaccination as soon as it is available in the nearest health care center. Here are more tips on how to protect against H1N1 and flu diseases.

1. Get a flu shot. Vaccinations are recommended for everyone aged six months and above. The CDC reported that it takes two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body, so it's best to get it as early as possible.

2. Wash your hands. Train your kids and family members to wash their hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of germs in and outside of home. Parents recommended using warm water and soap when washing one's hands.

3. Load up on vitamin C. Build a healthy immune system from the inside by getting enough vitamin C. Add oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries and other vitamin C rich foods to your and your family's diet.

4. Breastfeed your child. Parents recommended breastfeeding for women who are not ill with influenza because infants who are not breasted are more at risk for infection and hospitalization for severe respiratory illnesses. Babies below six months old cannot be given a flu shot, which is why they need all the protection they need.

5. Disinfect surfaces at home and at work. "I clean everything that gets touched by lots of people—microwaves, fax-machine keys, doorknobs, elevator buttons, the armrests on my chair—with a good disinfectant at least once a week, even if it looks clean. It's just basic hygiene. Rhinoviruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours!" Dr. Philip Tierno, author of "The Secret Life of Germs," told Health.

It's best to keep surfaces clean to prevent the spread of germs. From door knobs to electronics (your phone!), use a disinfectant to banish germs completely.

Of course, it goes without saying that an eight-hour long sleep also contributes to a more robust overall health. In fact, Dr. David Katz, founder of the Yale University Prevention Research Center, told Health that our bodies need time to rest after more than eight hours of being active at home, work or school.

"Research shows that our bodies need seven to eight hours of sleep in order to stimulate an immune response from our 'natural killer cells,' which attack viruses," he said. "Sleep is my most reliable defense against infection."