Protect Yourself Against Swine Flu

Dozens of cases of swine influenza have been confirmed across the United States over the past few days, making many people wonder if they're next in line. What can you do to protect yourself?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the disease's threat lies in its contagious nature. Swine flu is thought to spread in a manner similar to that of the common flu, through human contact such as coughing or sneezing. The disease also spreads through contact on surfaces, most commonly cafeteria tables, doorknobs or desks. One with swine flu is contagious one day prior to becoming sick and up to seven or more days after.

To keep yourself healthy and free of swine flu, wash your hands continuously and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth frequently. Hands may be washed with soap and hot water or with hand gels containing alcohol to kill viruses and germs. You should avoid close contact with people who are sick and maintain a healthy lifestyle filled with sufficient sleep, physical activity and a well-balanced diet.

Watch out for symptoms of swine flu, which include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Cases vary from mild to severe, and death very rarely results.
Medicines are available to treat and cure the disease. The CDC recommends oseltamivir or zanamivir. Antiviral drugs can slow down symptoms and help your body heal faster.

One swine flu case has been confirmed in Maricopa County, health officials reported Wednesday morning. The confirmation came on the heels of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting one child has died of the disease in Texas. With the latest reports, the United States has 91 confirmed cases of swine flu in 10 states, including 51 cases in New York City. Arizona sent four suspected cases of the virus earlier this week to CDC labs for further testing. Swine flu is a strain of influenza A that previously had not been seen.

Product Update: Listerine Total Care

Introducing LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE

SODIUM FLUORIDE AND ACIDULATED PHOSPHATE TOPICAL SOLUTION ANTICAVITY MOUTHWASH

Introducing LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE Anticavity Mouthwash - a multi-benefit mouthwash that works in 6 ways for a cleaner, healthier mouth.

Take advantage of 6 benefits in one mouthwash:

Helps Prevent Cavities

Restores Minerals to Enamel

Strengthens Teeth

Kills Bad Breath Germs

Freshens Breath

Fights Unsightly Plaque Above the Gum Line

Recommended for kids 12 and older.

Product Update: Sensodyne ProNamel for Children

PITTSBURGH, April 7 /PRNewswire/ --

Starting from the time they take their children to their first dentist appointment, most parents know how important it is for kids to brush their teeth twice a day and floss regularly to protect against tooth decay. But what they don't know is that cavity protection is no longer enough. Today's modern diets - even those that are seemingly healthy - can contribute to acid erosion, a growing and irreversible problem not only among adults, but for children as well.
Acid erosion is loss of tooth enamel caused by acid acting on the tooth's surface, mainly from the consumption of acid-rich food and drinks like sodas, fruit juice, ketchup, salad dressings, citrus fruits and even fruits like melons and berries. Though nine out of 10 pediatric dentists report seeing signs of acid erosion in their patients, awareness among parents remains extremely low.
"Parents should be aware of the issue of acid erosion to ensure that they take steps to minimize the risk to their children's teeth," says nationally recognized pediatric dentist and diplomat for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Jessica Meeske. "The popular adage is that it's best to brush after every meal; however, children should avoid brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic food or drinks as this is when the enamel is at its softest. Parents can also give their children a foundation for acid wear protection by having them brush twice daily with Sensodyne ProNamel(TM) for Children, a new over-the-counter pediatric toothpaste that can help re-harden softened enamel."
According to a recent survey conducted by Sensodyne ProNamel, most mothers - 93 percent - don't think their children are at risk for acid erosion of teeth, and almost half of moms said they are not sure if acid erosion of a child's teeth can be repaired or reversed, when, in fact, it can't. Once enamel is gone, it's gone for good.