In May, we offered our communities local county resources to battle the potentially impending spread of the H1N1 virus, or "Swine Flu." Since that time, there have been several cases in the Houston area, and people are at risk if they do not take certain precautions. With that in mind, the best remedy is to stay calm and have a calculated response, as health officials agree that only rarely would a case of H1N1 need extensive or immediate medical attention.

Some preventative measures include:

• Frequent hand-washing.
• Refraining from putting your hands near your face.
• To be extra-cautious, you can gargle salt water or mouth wash, which works to clear pathogens out of your throat.
• Consider using a neti-pot or swabbing your nostrils with warm salt water
• Ingest plenty of Vitamin C. If you take supplements, make sure they have Zinc to boost absorption.
• Drink warm liquids often.
• Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
• Avoid contact with others who have contracted the virus.