A woman walks into a local store, fully aware she has a cough, but not sure if she has a flu-like illness.
Since she isn't sure, she stays away from other customers at the business, not wanting to spread anything she might be carrying in the case she is contagious.
Careful to cover her mouth when she coughs and careful not to breathe on anyone, she apologizes to those around her and stands away from everyone until her transaction at the business is complete. The woman leaves the store.
With the fear of the H1N1 (Swine) flu pandemic spreading, she goes to her doctor about her cough and other symptoms. Thankfully, she finds out she is only suffering from allergies. She doesn't have a fever. There aren't any germs to spread around and she is 100 percent not contagious.
Upon her next visit to the above mentioned business, she is glad to share the news she wasn't contagious on her last trip to the store and there was nothing to worry about after all.
However, her happy news is short lived. Before she can speak one word, Lysol is sprayed in the air and she is asked to leave the store.
The woman is mortified and embarrassed. What was once only a precaution to the people around her has turned into a humiliating experience.
The fear of catching the swine flu has turned into paranoia.
However, there are ways to keep the immune system strong and stay healthy from not only the H1N1 virus, but any other flu or illness.
With the 2009 H1N1 flu virus infection (formerly known as swine flu) widespread in 37 states including Oklahoma, experts are offering several tips on staying healthy.
Researchers say boosting the immune system will improve the body's ability to fend off colds and flu as well as fight disease.
To boost immunity, exercise regularly. Recent scientific research proves there is a link between moderate, regular exercise and a strong immune system.
Even something as simple as walking 30 minutes a day can help. A daily walk or a gradual workout routine can increase overall health and immune response.
Experts warn while regular exercise is definitely a boost to the immune system, too much can be a bad thing.
Research suggests athletes who perform high-intensity workouts lasting 90 minutes or longer can be more susceptible to illness for three days after the exercise session.
A good night's sleep is also critical for staying healthy. Scientists have found that the release of certain hormones during sleep may help boost the immune system.
A good night's sleep can help keep weight down, keep thinking and reasoning clear and improve mood.
Drinking plenty of water also helps. Staying hydrated by drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day is essential to a strong, healthy immune system, according to experts.
Avoiding stress can be nearly impossible but reducing stress can actually help you from getting sick.
Chronic stress is bad for mental and physical health and scientists believe that a constant stream of stress hormones can desensitize the immune system.
A person's immune system gets used to high levels of stress and doesn't respond to an infection effectively.
Good nutrition is a must. A good diet should consist of a wide variety of nutritious foods, with lots fruits and vegetables.
Oranges and peppers contain a great deal of vitamin C, a key vitamin in boosting immunity. Vitamins A, C, E, and B-6, and folic acid have important influences on immune responses.
A positive attitude can also help with immunity. To see more of the Ada Evening News or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.adaeveningnews.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Ada Evening News, Okla. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.