Swine Flu

                              
               Swine flu is an infection caused by a virus. It's named for a virus that pigs can get. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. In 2009 a strain of swine flu called H1N1 infected many people around the world.

The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Risk Factors for Swine Flu :-

      Swine flu is unusual because it doesn't target the same age group as the rhinovirus (typical flu). The disease focuses on young adults. This is unusual because most flu viruses attack those who are elderly or very young. Some form of immunity to swine flu may exist in the elderly due to previous flu exposures.

Other risk factors for swine flu include:

• compromised immune system (from a disease such as AIDS)
• pregnancy
• past history of infections

      Pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized and are at higher risk of death and complications from flu, including swine flu and seasonal flu, than the general population. As scary as that sounds, experts say that most pregnant women who become ill with H1N1 swine flu will not have a serious problem. If you are pregnant, here's what you need to know.

Why are pregnant women at higher risk from swine flu?

    Experts aren't entirely sure, but they surmise that as the fetus develops and grows there’s more pressure on the mother’s breathing and lung function, increasing the risk of her developing secondary infections such as pneumonia. Most of the maternal deaths from swine flu occurred in the third trimester.

    Also, there are changes that happen to a woman's immune system while she is pregnant that can make her more susceptible to infections such as flu.

Causes :-

                                           

   The cause of the 2009 swine flu was an influenza A virus type designated as H1N1. In 2011, a new swine flu virus was detected. The new strain was named influenza A (H3N2)v. Only a few people (mainly children) were first infected, but officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported increased numbers of people infected in the 2012-2013 flu season. Currently, there are not large numbers of people infected with H3N2v. Unfortunately, another virus termed H3N2 (note no "v" in its name) has been detected and caused flu, but this strain is different from H3N2v. In general, all of the influenza A viruses have a structure similar to the H1N1 virus; each type has a somewhat different H and/or N structure.

Why is swine flu now infecting humans?

     Many researchers now consider that two main series of events can lead to swine flu (and also avian or bird flu) becoming a major cause for influenza illness in humans.

     First, the influenza viruses (types A, B, C) are enveloped RNA viruses with a segmented genome; this means the viral RNA genetic code is not a single strand of RNA but exists as eight different RNA segments in the influenza viruses. A human (or bird) influenza virus can infect a pig respiratory cell at the same time as a swine influenza virus; some of the replicating RNA strands from the human virus can get mistakenly enclosed inside the enveloped swine influenza virus. For example, one cell could contain eight swine flu and eight human flu RNA segments. The total number of RNA types in one cell would be 16; four swine and four human flu RNA segments could be incorporated into one particle, making a viable eight RNA-segmented flu virus from the 16 available segment types. Various combinations of RNA segments can result in a new subtype of virus (this process is known as antigenic shift) that may have the ability to preferentially infect humans but still show characteristics unique to the swine influenza virus (see Figure 1). It is even possible to include RNA strands from birds, swine, and human influenza viruses into one virus if a single cell becomes infected with all three types of influenza (for example, two bird flu, three swine flu, and three human flu RNA segments to produce a viable eight-segment new type of flu viral genome). Formation of a new viral type is considered to be antigenic shift; small changes within an individual RNA segment in flu viruses are termed antigenic drift (see figure 1) and result in minor changes in the virus. However, these small genetic changes can accumulate over time to produce enough minor changes that cumulatively alter the virus' makeup over time (usually years).

     Second, pigs can play a unique role as an intermediary host to new flu types because pig respiratory cells can be infected directly with bird, human, and other mammalian flu viruses. Consequently, pig respiratory cells are able to be infected with many types of flu and can function as a "mixing pot" for flu RNA segments (see figure 1). Bird flu viruses, which usually infect the gastrointestinal cells of many bird species, are shed in bird feces. Pigs can pick these viruses up from the environment, and this seems to be the major way that bird flu virus RNA segments enter the mammalian flu virus population. Figure 1 shows this process in H1N1, but the figure represents the genetic process for all flu viruses, including human, swine, and avian strains.

     Swine influenza (novel H1N1 and H3N2v) spreads from person to person, either by inhaling the virus or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, then touching the mouth or nose. Infected droplets are expelled into the air through coughing or sneezing. H3N2v does not spread as easily from person to person as H1N1. This poor transmission rate is likely why there have been so few individuals infected with H3N2v.

      Research suggested that H1N1 swine influenza is about as contagious as the usual human influenza. If one person in a household gets swine flu, anywhere from 8%-19% of household contacts likely will get infected. Reports from the southern hemisphere suggest that swine influenza caused slightly more infections than would be normal for an influenza season.

      However, the newest swine flu virus, H3H2v, is not being spread very easily from human to human. The majority of infections to date occurred as a result of the swine virus H3N2v being transmitted directly from pigs to humans, since most of the reported infected people were associated with pig farms or state fairs with pigs as predominant competition entries. However, the CDC is concerned because this situation could easily change if H3N2v acquires genes that allow easy viral transmission between humans.

Symptoms :-

            

       It's hard to tell whether you have swine flu or seasonal flu, because most symptoms are the same. People with swine flu may be more likely to feel nauseous and throw up than people who have seasonal flu. But a lab test is the only way to know for sure. Even a rapid flu test you can get in your doctor's office won't tell you for sure.

      People who have swine flu can be contagious one day before they have any symptoms, and as many as 7 days after they get sick. Kids can be contagious for as long as 10 days.

Most symptoms are the same as seasonal flu. They can include:

• cough
• fever
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue

     Like seasonal flu, swine flu can lead to more serious complications, including pneumonia and respiratory failure. And it can make conditions like diabetes or asthma worse.

Home Treatment :-

                                                

      Here are some easy steps you can take to tackle a flu virus of any kind, including swine flu. It is not necessary to follow all the steps at once. You can pick and choose a combination of remedies that suit you best. However, if you are already suffering from flu, these measures can help only up to an extent.

1.  Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of therapeutic properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way of strengthening your immunity.
2. Giloi (medicinal name Tinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in many areas. Take a one-foot long branch of giloi, add five to six leaves of Tulsi and boil in water for 15-20 minutes or long enough to allow the water to extract its properties. Add black pepper and sendha (salt used during religious fasts), rock or black salt, or Misri (crystalised sugar like lumps to make it sweet) according to taste. Let it cool a bit and drink this kadha (concoction) while still warm. It will work wonders for your immunity. If giloi plant is not available, get processed giloi powder from Hamdard or others, and concoct a similar drink once a day.
3. A small piece of camphor (kapoor) approximately the size of a tablet should be taken once or twice a month. It can be swallowed with water by adults while children can take it along with mashed potatoes or banana because they will find it difficult to have it without any aides. Please remember camphor is not to be taken everyday, but only once each season, or once a month.
4. Those who can take garlic, must have two pods of raw garlic first thing in the morning. To be swallowed daily with lukewarm water. Garlic too strengthens immunity like the earlier measures mentioned.
5. Those not allergic to milk, must take a glass of hot or lukewarm milk every night with a small measure of haldi (turmeric).
6. Aloe vera (gwarpatha) too is a commonly available plant. Its thick and long, cactus-like leaves have an odourless gel. A teaspoon gel taken with water daily can work wonders for not only your skin and joint pains, but also boost immunity.
7. Take homeopathic medicines — Pyrogenium 200 and Inflenzium 200 in particular — five tablets three times a day, or two-three drops three times a day. While these are not specifically targeted at H1N1 either, these work well as preventive against common flu virus.
8. Do Pranayam daily (preferably under guidance if you are already not initiated into it) and go for morning jog/walk regularly to keep your throat and lungs in good condition and body in fine fettle. Even in small measures, it will work wonders for your body's resistance against all such diseases which attack the nose, throat and lungs, besides keeping you fit.
9. Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another three to four months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly available nowadays.
10. Last but not the least, wash your hands frequently every day with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds; especially before meals, or each time after touching a surface that you suspect could be contaminated with flu virus such as a door handle or a knob/handle, especially if you have returned from a public place or used public transport. Alcohol-based hand cleaners should be kept handy at all times and used until you can get soap and warm water.

Some Other Remedies are :-

• Maintain a safe distance from people that show evident signs of nasal congestion or flu symptoms.
• Do not greet people with a kiss or handshake.
• Do no share food, glasses or forks.
• Open and ventilate enclosed rooms.
• Keep kitchen countertops and bathrooms disinfected with bleach; disinfect toys, phones door knobs and any contact surface with alcohol.
• Visit your doctor immediately if you experience sudden high fever and cough, with headache and muscle pain.
• Avoid sudden temperature change.
• Eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A and C (Carrots, papaya, orange, tangerine, lime lemon and pineapple).
• Frequently wash hands thoroughly with plenty of soap and water.

1. Take Vitamin C to boost immune system and increase the number of white blood cells.
2. Take Zinc lozenges, it boosts the immune system as soon the symptoms develop.
3. Colloidal silver kills viruses.
4. Take Garlic capsules to decrease de growth of the virus.
5. Take “cold and flu” tablets this homeopathic preparation has help people avoid getting infected with the flu virus by taking 1 tablet a day throughout the flu season.
6. Take arsenicum album if thirsty but feel better drinking warm fluids, lack of appetite, body aches, and feel worse during the night.
7. Take bryonia if cough, throat and chest pain, dry mouth and lips, very thirsty.
8. Mix two tablespoons of vinegar, one tablespoon of honey, and one cup of warm water each morning. This may prevent and kill microbes.
9. Make a tea mixing:

                              1 tsp. bayberry bark 

                              1 tsp. grated ginger root 

                             ½ tsp. cayenne powder.

                             1 cup of boiling water.

           Let it sit for 20 minutes.

Ayurvedic Treatment :-

       

Yoga Teacher Baba Ramdev's beat swine flu formula :-

      If Baba Ramdev had his potent way, swine flu would be history. According to the ayurveda and yoga guru, a mixture of cloves, black pepper, turmeric, guduchi and mulethi can pump up one's immunity which is crucial to fight the disease.

     Speaking to Aaj Tak, he said many people recovered from the infection using the ayurvedic medicines he had suggested.

    Baba Ramdev also recommended regular yoga practice as a preventive measure.

    The deadly H1N1 influenza virus that causes swine flu has already claimed three lives so far in Delhi. According to reports, over 60 cases of swine flu have already been registered this year.

Watch "Yoga teacher baba ramdev's Yoga video" for swine flu :- click here

        According to Ayurveda, prevention is always better than cure, and the primary aim goal of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of a healthy person. As stated: “Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam…”

       Tulsi is a wonder herb, long prized for its many medicinal properties. Ayurvedic doctors are now expounding the use of tulsi leaves as a remedy for swine flu.
       Ayurvedic doctors classify swine flu as "visham javar," or chronic fever, and suggest Tulsi leaves as a remedy.
       A concoction of tulsi with ginger and jaggery can also boost the defense mechanism.
      An Ayurvedic practitioner should be consulted for the right dosage since each person has a different level of immunity.
     With the swine flu pandemic sweeping the world, people are looking for ways to protect themselves from viral attack. Herbal medicine has found its miracle drug in the form of tulsi, which is used across India as a household remedy for flu. Tulsi has the added advantage of being free of side effects, a major worry with conventional medicines.Stay away from people showing symptoms of flu like nasal congestion, fever etc.

• Do not share food, glasses or forks and avoid sudden change in temperature
• Keep kitchen and bathroom disinfected with bleach. Disinfect toys, phone, door knobs and any contact surface with alcohol. Frequently wash hands using disinfectants and hand wash.
• Eating fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A and C, (papaya, carrot, orange, lemon and pineapple) are the best natural remedies for swine flu.
• Make a tea mixing 1 tablespoon bayberry bark, 1 table spoon ginger root, and ½ tablespoon cayenne powder in one cup of boiling water.
• Tulsi: Eat fresh 3-5 leaves of properly rinsed leaves of Tulsi. It clears your lungs and strengthen your immunity.
• Aloe Vera: take a teaspoon of Aloe-Vera to boost your immunity.
• Take a glass of hot milk and add small measure of turmeric (haldi).
• Do exercise daily like breathing exercise, and walk to keep lungs active.
• Steam inhalation with eucalyptus or chamomile thrice a day can relive from congestion from the lungs.
• Cover your nose and mouth with cloth or mask.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINES TO PREVENT SWINE FLU WITHOUT SIDE EFFECTS :-

     In Ayurveda, the cure of such stubborn infections, like flu, have been described. It is now evident the traditional medicinal plants possess various medicinal properties and are highly effective to treat virus borne diseases. In herbal extracts of herbs shows antimicrobial activities, remove toxins from blood and boost the immunity. These herbs rejuvenate and give longevity to the body.
                                                           

1. Giloy Capsules

        Giloy has been mentioned in Ayurveda for its antipyretic, anti - inflammatory and immune booster properties. It has tremendous role in strengthening your immunity, kills the pathogenic microbes. The herbal extract of Giloy has positive results to inactivate the swine flu. The herbal extract of Giloy in form of capsule will enhance your immunity, purify blood, kills flu virus and rejuvenate the body. Giloy capsules are 100% pure and do not cause any side effects.

Dose - 1 Capsule twice daily.

2. Aller-G Care

         Aller-G is the combination of herbal extracts of four different herbs, Haridra, Neem, Shirish and Ashwagandha. These four herbs work synergistically and fight against respiratory borne infections, allergies and removal of toxins. Haridra acts against allergy, inflammations and acts as an anti-microbial agent. Neem is a popular medicine as antiseptic and disinfectant. Neem purifies blood, and works against allergy. Shirish is one the best known herb, which removes poison from body. Poisons are the accumulated metabolites inside the body, which interferes with our immunity and weakens it. Shirish removes the accumulated substances from boy and boost our immunity. Ashwagandha, an 'Indian ginseng' is well known herb to fight against allergies. Aller-G Care is the best remedy to Asthma, sneezing, rhinitis, sinusitis, allergies and flu.

Dose - 1 Capsule twice daily.

3. Immune Magic

       Immune magic capsules (500 mg) is formulated by combining 4 different herbs, Grape seed, Cow colostrum, Bhumi Amla and Green tea. The constituents of herbal extract of these 4 herbs work synergistically and boost your overall immunity. Immune magic capsules is a unique formulation because it is rich in anti-oxidant activity, antimicrobial activity and immunity booster. On the other hand, cow colostrum is the rich source of antibodies proliferation, therefore, provides strong immunity. While Grape seeds, Bhumi Amla and Green tea are the best anti-oxidants. Immune Magic is a natural scavenger of virus (flu), bacteria, chemicals and toxins. It is a best remedy to cure flu, bronchitis, sinuses, infections and upper respiratory infections. Together they give strength to the defense mechanism at cellular level.


Dose - 1 Capsule twice daily.