The H1N1 virus is making headlines this year, as the world is finding out that the Swine flu can affect us all. In a recent article, Dr. Elaina George spoke on the significance of the Swine flu and how it can be avoided. Here is what she had to say:

1. Stay home

If you have a fever and are feeling ill, you should stay home or keep your child home to avoid spreading the virus to others.

2. Get plenty of rest

When you fail to get enough sleep, your immune system is compromised, which means it's harder to fight off viral and bacterial infections. If you have a fever or are feeling fatigue, take a break from the gym.

3. Take your vitamins

Taking 1000 to 2000 mg of vitamin C, vitamin D and minerals like zinc have been shown to be antiviral and are a natural way to fight off viral infections.

4. Avoid stress

Stress decreases the effectiveness of your immune system. Remember, there is a mind-body connection.

5. Avoid processed sugar

Sugar increases acid in your body and can decrease the effectiveness of the immune response.

6. Take a probiotic

A probiotic is good bacteria and yeast that lives in the GI tract, where more than 70 percent of our immune cells live. When we have enough probiotics, they actually protect us from getting infections because they can act as a barrier to physically block disease and prevent bacteria and viruses from getting into our systems.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a professor at Syracuse University. Dr. Elaina George is an otolaryngologist in Atlanta. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.