Swine flu is an influenza A H1N1 virus just like other influenza viruses. Since it’s just like other flu viruses, it shares common symptoms of flu. The difference however is that the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has components of pig and bird influenza viruses in it, and we humans don’t have any immunity to it. This has made it more likely to be a pandemic virus as it could easily spread from person-to-person. Pandemic virus refers to one that it has the ability to cause a global outbreak.
Swine Flu Symptoms:
High fever, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent accompanied with,
Alarming Swine Flu Symptoms:
Mode of spread:
Swine flu spreads by direct contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva, drops from nose, sputum, expectorant coughing, sneezing of someone that is detected swine flu positive. Droplets from cough and sneeze may contaminate the surrounding surfaces, water and become infected for few hours till the virus is alive. Patients with swine flu positive are contagious for one day before and up to seven days after they have the above said symptoms.
Diagnosis:
Swine flu can be diagnosed by sending a blood specimen, which is collected during the first five days of flu symptoms.
High risk people:
People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. However, people close to infected patients are at a greater risk.
Modes of prevention: Wear air tight mask, avoid going in crowded places, and increase immunity by alternative medications as a preventive mode.
Mode of death: In patients with positive swine flu. Much of the illness and death associated with swine flu are because of pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and secondary infection by other pathogens.
Allopathic Medications:
Anti-flu medications which to prevent and treat swine flu are Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir).
Alternative care:
Since ages Neem has proven very effective against virus, bacteria and parasites. Neem is supposed to be strongest, cheapest and easily available anti viral. Take ten leaves of neem twice a day. Preferably they should be fresh and new leaves.
Other alternative is to consume dry powder or in form of capsules which is easily available in India. Patient with too much cough and expectorant should also take tea which is flavored with cardamom, basil leaves and mint.
If your immune system is made stronger then there will be fewer chances for any viruses and bacteria to infect your body. This can be raised by consuming one spoon of Guduchi powder twice a day. Guduchi increases immune system and acts as a preventive medicine. One can take this even during infected stage to increase resistance by decreasing viral load.
Consume one small glass of Amla juice, which will again boost your immune system.
Avoid cold food, stale food, sweets, curd.
Drink little warm water after adding a pinch of dry ginger powder.
Drink milk with one spoon of dry turmeric powder in it. This should be consumed three times a day by infected patient and at least once a day as preventive care. It is also the best preventive method for travelers.
Juice of 30 Basil leaves added with 10 leaves of mint should be taken once a day as both prevention and cure. Basil leaves has strong anti bacterial and anti viral properties.
Neem, Turmeric and Basil will also prevent secondary complications as a result of severe flu thereby decreasing hospital stay.
Additional alertness on your part could help you stay protected. Besides, people should avoid panicking and ensure they stay updated to the latest measures that need to be adopted.
Dr. Hiren Parekh