Swine Flu Pandemic: How can you protect yourself and your family?

Well, isn’t this just a pig in a poke? Sorry, bad pun… But the swine flu epidemic in Mexico is a fast growing concern, and we here at the Bargainist don’t want you to panic. As you already know, good ways to avoid the flu in general (swine included) are eating nutritious food & getting plenty of sleep, washing your hands regularly or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering your nose & mouth when you sneeze, and avoiding other persons who are sick. The swine flu symptoms mimic those of a regular flu, so you should be extra cautious and head straight to the doctor if you feel ill in any way. Thankfully, according to the CDC, “Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.” So bacon is not verboten!

Read on for some deals and coupons aimed at helping you stay hale, healthy, and worry-free!

Drugstore.com - Stock up on stuff to stay healthy, like Zicam, zinc, and Emergen-C. Save $5 off orders over $30 or $10 off orders over $50 when you shop through this link. Coupon expires 12/31/2009.

GNC - The best defense is a good offense, right? Through 04/29/2009, daily vitamin multipacks are buy one, get 1 50% off.

Luxury Link - Vacations = rejuvenated you. Rejuvenated you = healthier you. Healthier you = less likelier to get sick you. Get the idea? Of course, we don’t currently recommend heading down to Mexico, so maybe a trip to Europe would be good. Save $100 on your first purchase at Luxury Link with coupon code LUXLINK100, now through 05/31/2009.

The Great Indoors - Good health is nearly impossible to maintain without a good night’s sleep! All mattresses are discounted 50% off through 05/02/2009, plus you'll receive a free bed frame, free delivery & set-up of your new mattress, and free removal of the old mattress.

Travelocity - Coupon code VENZA100 will cut $100 off a 7-night vacation. Getting away from the source of the flu is never a bad idea – just don’t forget to pack lots of vitamins for the trip, just in case! Coupon expires 06/02/2009.

By Janet Cowan