HEALTHY PRECAUTIONS (By Hostel Buenos Aires)

Next week the winter starts in Buenos Aires. Since the beginning of this month and until the end of August, Argentina is on the precaution period for the transmission of the AH1N1 flu (swine flu). Although this year the epidemic is much more under control comparing to last winter, is always helpful to take some healthy precautions to fully enjoy your visit. Hostel Colonial brings you some tips to be aware of.

The first thing is not to panic. The A flu is a curable and preventable illness. This year already circulates the vaccine that can be acquired in any Porteño drugstore or applied for free in any public hospital. Those who have the vaccine shouldn’t worry about the flu. Even if you don’t have it, many medicines have proved to be effective against the virus (Tamiflu is probably the best known).

It’s important to visit a doctor in case you suspect you are infected. Specialists suggest going to the doc if you have two or more of these symptoms: fever over 38°C (100°F), catarrh, mucus on the respiratory tract, difficulty to breathe, muscular pain, headache or lack of appetite.

On the side of prevention, is suggested to cover you mouth and nose with the back of your elbow in case somebody near you coughs or sneezes, to throw the tissues after using them, to wash your hands frequently with water and soap or any alcohol-based cleaner, to avoid touching you eyes, nose or mouth if you haven’t washed your hands, among others. The Buenos Aires City Government has more information in its web page (available only in Spanish) to make your visit perfect and complications free.