The panic over H1N1 may have gone down but Mumbaiites are still playing it safe, picking from a flood of options recommended as H1N1 preventives by doctors and naturopathists.

Swine flu is transmitted by airborne droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough, germs on hands, or germ-laden surfaces. Currently, the world over, drug manufacturing units are gearing up to test vaccines against swine flu. Until those become commonly available, some doctors are suggesting immunity-boosters other than seasonal flu vaccines, which are not proven to be effective against H1N1.

Dr Ashok Mahashur, chest medicine specialist at Hinduja Hospital, says an oral vaccine, Polyvalent Mechanical Bacterial Lysate (PMBL), can be effectively used as a prophylactic medication to boost immunity. “Currently there is no vaccine in the world effective against this particular strain of virus. But reports suggest that PMBL was effective against SARS. PMBL stimulates the mucus membrane along the respiratory line. It acts on acute respiratory infection,” said Dr Mahashur. He adds, however, that there is no evidence that this drug is effective against swine flu and that its use could be effective as prophylactic medication.

Apart from such vaccines, nutrition and yoga tips are being shared. “Certain yogic mudras, such as Shivaling Mudra (upright), Pran mudra and Shankh Mudra, help one improve resistance and defend against any bacteria and virus,” said Dipak Patel, a naturopathist.

Nutritionists also advise more fruits, vegetables, protein-rich food and nuts, and less salt. “Avoid stale, overcooked and outside food. Herbs like Aloe Vera and wheatgrass once every morning and evening is recommended when a person’s resistance power is low,” Patel said. Also advised is loads of water with sufficient sleep as sleep deprivation can affect the immune system.

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