The outbreak of a new form of swine flu has prompted the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency. The public health officials are scrambling to determine the extent of the outbreak.
The number of cases of swine flu will continue to grow as more people even with the mildest of flu symptoms have their respiratory secretions tested. Identification is a critical step in microbe hunting, as is exposing the silent trek that influenza takes as it moves in waves from city to city, country to country, and continent to continent.
We need to know more about the distinctive behavior of this particular virus, and its treatment which seems to have newly emerged in human from its animal reservoir.
According to experts wearing masks is a good public health measure if people find them socially acceptable. Isolating sick individuals also helps prevent the spread, but our workaholic culture seems to encourage us to drag ourselves into the office even when we’re sick.
If you get sick, lie down and act sick
Other alternative remedies…
Besides Tamiflu, these alternative remedies to prevent and treat the H1N1 influenza may be a good option for patients.
Homeopathy:
Homeopathic medicines were successful in treating the flu pandemic in 1918. Homeopathy maybe a better option also because it has hardly any side-effects, say experts.
Gelsemium and Bryonia: Effective during 1918′s outbreak. Homeopaths feel these could be useful in the current epidemic too.
Influenzinum: In a survey conducted by the French Society of Homeopathy in 1998, in 90 per cent of the 317 influenza patients surveyed, no instances of the flu occurred when influenzinum was used preventively.
Oscillococcinum: A homeopathic preparation of the liver and heart of a Barbary duck. In 1990, German experts found flu patients showed a noticeable improvement after about 48 hours of treatment with Oscillococcinum.
Ayurveda:
Like homeopathy, ayurvedic medicines too show promise in treating swine flu without causing any side-effect.
Guduchi: Also known as Tinospora Cordifolia, this is a known flu preventive. It is an anti-viral which kills the H1N1 virus. Guduchi is commonly available and contains a substance called Giloine which is effective for strengthening the respiratory system.
Vasa: Also known as Adhatoda vasica, this medicine is also effective. It reduces obstruction or inflammation in airways and increases lung capacity. Besides, basil, turmeric and amla are extensively used to build immunity and are recommended along with the medication.
It is also worthwhile to do the following Ayurvedic practices
• Eat nourishing, warm foods with “immune-enhancing” spices like turmeric.
• Eat only organic foods because impurities in nonorganic foods impair my immune function.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything cold during meals in order to improve my digestion, which protects immune strength.
• Do daily warm sesame-oil massage because sesame oil has powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Besides medicines, yoga may also prove to be a good option if one is trying to counter the H1N1 influenza. As according to various physicians and associate professors, “There are some herbs that stimulate the immune system, but that’s not a good idea on a chronic or preventive basis.” Over stimulating the immune system can cause problems like inflammation and arthritis.
Yoga:
Bhastrika Pranayam: Sit with legs stretched out, back straight. Bend one leg, place ankle on opposite thigh close to groin. Do the same to the other leg. Place your hands on knees. Take a deep breath, hold it and exhale. Repeat this 5-10 times till your breathing becomes even.
Kapal Bhati Pranayam: It’s similar to the Bhastrika Pranayam, except the way you breathe. Exhale by pushing the stomach inside. Inhale with minimal effort. Repeat the process for about 15 minutes.
Note: Before taking any medicine or performing yoga as mentioned above, one should consult his/her personal physician as these medicine/yaga may not be suitable for certain person or in certain situation like pregnant ladies.
Author: Mona Gupta, New Delhi
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