Swine Flu- Stay away and be enlightened

Swine Flu

Swine flu has other names and medical terms to describe it, such as swine influenza, pig influenza, hog flu, H1N1 flu and many others. Swine flu, as the name suggests, affects pigs and humans. Read all about the symptoms, risks and prevention of swine flu                                                                        Detection                                                                                                                                                                               Dr. Behram Pardiwala, Consultant Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospital, Central Mumbai says, "If the patient's condition does not improve in 48 hours, taking a H1N1 test becomes mandatory. A throat swab has to be tested for H1 N1."

"Some of the common symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting," Dr Mugdha Tapadiya, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis, Delhi explains.

Swine flu generally spreads from droplets that fall due to sneezing and coughing. A runny nose, irritation in the throat, abdominal ache and body ache are all symptoms that subside on their own within two to three days. But if the patient looks too serious and has diabetes, heart disease or is pregnant, then it is advised to get a checkup done immediately

Temperature troubles

Dr. Pardiwala, speaking on the swine flu epidemic says, "Extreme weather conditions make the spread of the virus conducive. In fact, a cold and humid climate only increases the virus. And the kind of weather that we've been seeing in the last few days can result in more cases of influenza."Cold, damp climatic conditions along with rain can increase the chances of the virus spreading.

Safety precautions

Dr Tapadiya says, "Yearly flu vaccinations above six months of age is a very good way to prevent flu, including swine flu." But if you have not taken the flu shot, then maintain hygiene especially as the weather is playing havoc.

"In the next five to six days, if the temperature improves (becomes bright and sunny), we should expect cases of influenza to come down soon," says Dr. Pardiwala. The immediate precaution that you must take is to isolate yourself, avoid public contact and wear a high density mask. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Flu viruses can survive for two hours or longer on surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops. So be sure to be virus-free

Dr. Pardiwala also adds, "Don't go out in crowded places and avoid going to work also. Stay home and rest until you feel better. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough." "If you do have swine flu (H1N1), you can give it to others starting about 24 hours before you develop symptoms and ending about seven days later," shares Dr. Tapadiya. So to keep yourself and your family swine flu-free follow these guidelines and stay healthy!

The number of swine flu deaths in India has already hit 1,075, with close to 20,000 people infected nationwide. Experts suggest that the sudden rains in the country may cause the virus to get overactive. In order to avert the epidemic, people have started to depend on more natural and Ayurvedic measures than allopathic medicines. We take a look at some home remedies for swine flu.

 Home Remedy 1: Giloi Branch

It is suggested that one boil giloi branches in water and drink the water to prevent swine flu. Giloi is nothing but a plant that grows on the neem tree. Tinospora cordifolia, or Guduchi as it is locally called, is considered to be a divine herb that helps boost immunity and prevent lethal illnesses like swine flu.

Home Remedy 2: Camphor

A message trending on socil media suggests mixing camphor or kapoor powder with cardamom and sniffing the powder every few hours. WebMD lists the health benefits that camphor has to offer, saying ‘People use camphor topically to relieve pain and reduce itching. It has also been used to treat fungal infections of the toenail, warts, cold sores, hemorrhoids, and osteoarthritis. Some people use camphor topically to treat respiratory tract diseases and to treat heart disease symptoms. Camphor is also used topically as an eardrop, and for treating minor burns.'Another way to use camphor is to burn a little bit of it at home to kill the air borne H1N1 Influenza-A virus that causes swine flu.

Home Remedy 3: Amla                                                                                                                                                      Amla is as a good source of Vitamin C. It is an Ayurvedic super food because of its antioxidant properties. It has beneficial effects on almost all the organs and systems of the body. It is a strong immunomodulator and protects against many diseases if taken regularly. One way to include amla in your diet is to consume it raw, with a pinch of salt to taste.

Home Remedy 4: Kada                                                                                                                                                                                     Kada is basically a concoction made of tulsi, turmeric powder and other ayurvedic herb that helps ward off illnesses. How it is connected to swine flu is still not confirmed, but it is recommended that you drink it every morning to prevent the disease.

While none of the above home remedies have been tested and proved, experts suggest that maintaining basic hygiene and taking preventive measures will help Indians forestall the danger, so the choice is yours. But do stay away from misleading pharmaceutical ads and products that claim to prevent swine flu. If there was any truth to them, the health ministry would have adopted them long back. Also refrain from buying questionable herbal medicines from babas or herbal healers who are out to earn a quick buck