Swine flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease on high alert (WHO cautions a Global pandemic). Swine flu occurs in pigs caused by a virus. H1N1 (Influenza A) is a new strain of virus is causing the flu in human beings. The serious consequences are due to pneumonia.

The Swine Flu spreads to other humans as a normal flu spreads – by sneezing, coughing, physical contact with infected persons, etc. One is contagious a day before any symptoms (fever, sneeze and other flu symptoms) start showing. Symptoms usually appear following an incubation period of 1 to 4 days. The carrier may be unaware of infection he is carrying or spreading the virus.

Children can remain contagious for up to 10 days. Children, elderly and chronically ill are at higher risk of serious complications such as bacterial bronchitis and pneumonia.

All should be extremely careful to prevent themselves as well as spread of the disease. Following preventive measures are advised

• Frequently wash of hands with SOAP and water
  
• Avoid touching face (mouth, nose) until hands are washed
• Avoid handshakes, hugs, kisses and close contacts
  
• Avoid crowded places
• Stay at an arm’s length from other person, especially one with flu symptoms
• Avoid common swimming pools
• Do not share food, cutlery, glasses etc.
• Use personal water bottles, coffee mugs, hand towels, towels (do not share)
• Carry alcohol (60-95%) based hand sanitizers or put them on work stations. Best is still to wash hands with soap frquently
• Cover coughs and sneezes; throw away used tissues in the bins
• Try sneezing into your elbow (rather than hands)
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Educate children about all preventive measures
• Keep offcies and homes clean and ventilated. Use disinfectants to clean items of common use such as Phones, doorknobs, remotes, keyboards, switches, refrigerator handles etc.
• Flu viruses can live on surfaces for several hours, like a doorknob just touched by someone who sneezed into his hand. Use tissues to handle doorknobs, shopping carts etc. and throw them off. Or use hand sanitizers after handling them. Wipe off gym exerciser handles, buttons etc. with desanitizers before and after use.
• Use of masks is fine, but it should not be substituted for other preventive measures
• Personal air purifiers can be used
• Do not spit in public
  Do not take any medicines without consulting a physician
• Avoid unnecessary travel. Choose e-mails, phones, videoconferences, work from home options
• Avoid visiting cluster areas where there are cases already or inviting people from those areas

Strengthen General Immunity/ Resistance

• Do not stress or be a cause of Stress (Physical, Mental or Emotional). Stressed bodies are more prone to infections
• Sleep Well
• Take rest breaks and Relax
• Drink lot of water to keep hydrated and keeping the system flushed
• Eat healthy food rich with Vitamin C (Lemon, Gooseberry)
• Use more natural disinfectants and immunity boosters in your diet such as Garlic, Ginger, Tulsi (Basil), Honey, Black pepper, Turmeric, Cloves, Cinnamon and Licorice*. Experts advise consuming Tulsi leaves, garlic cloves or other herbs paste or decoction empty stomach in the morning.
• Sun exposure or Vitamin D supplementation may also be of benefit
• Keep your body oxygenated. Do deep breathing and Pranayam
• Exercise, it destresses and improves blood circulation and oxygenates body
• Use of Neem (Azadirachta indica) is highly recommended in India to keep away from viral and bacterial infections. Neem leaf extracts ehance immunity. Burning neem leaves purifies the atmosphere. Vedic system also recommends Agnihotra for purifying air. Fire element dries humidity in air (which checks virus growth) while the herbs also have antimicrobial properties

*(Pregnant women should not consume these herbs in high doses as these may cause bleeding)

Swine flu is more serious and riskier than SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, 2002-03). SARS patients were infectious only after the onset of fever and other symptoms. There are bigger risks of serious complications like pneumonia which could be fatal. Swine flu is likely to come in waves. Apparently it is being circulated among pigs to humans (Spanish flu 1918-1919) and humans to pigs.

Symptoms

• Sore throat, Runny nose Fever
• Body aches, Headaches, Muscle and joint pain
• Chills and fatigue
• Sometimes vomiting or diarrhea

Diagnosis

A nasopharyngeal (nose and mouth) swab is collected and sent to lab to be tested in the rist 24-72 hours of symtoms.

Treatment

• Oseltamivir (Tami flu) and Zanamivir (Relenza) are the prescribed medications for Swine flu. The drugs should not be taken without infection (Center for Disease Control and Prevention of U.S.A.).
• New H1N1 strain vaccines are being developed and could be ready by September.

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Preventive Care for Swine flu

Swine Flu Fever ( H1n1 Vaccination ) There Is Something You Dont Know