From India Today on Swine Flu

Precautions against swine flu

Here are a few simple dos and don'ts that will help prevent spreading the infection.

• Maintain hygiene, wash hands frequently.
  
• Avoid contact with those who cough and sneeze.
  
• Avoid crowded places and social gatherings.
  
• If there are any symptoms, contact the doctor immediately as the treatment drugs are not available in the open market.
  
• If infected, stay home and avoid travelling.
  
• Always cover mouth while coughing or sneezing, to avoid the disease from spreading.
  

 

Treatment of swine flu

The golden principle is no self-medication. Aspirin should not be taken for fever or body ache. Paracetamol can be taken for fever as per doctor's advice. Oseltamivir or Tamiflu should be taken only when prescribed by the doctor.

Remember, children need to be given a paediatric dose.

Those suffering from hypertension, diabetes, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis or obstructive airway diseases as well as pregnant women need to be extra careful.

A swine flu vaccine is being developed and the first lot is expected to be available by late august or early September.

Eat right to keep swine flu at bay

Apart from popping pills and exercising, it is equally important to eat right.

Fresh fruits and vegetables: They provide the body with an ample stock of vitamins and minerals. They also contain natural antioxidants and antibodies that strengthen immune system. Eat beans, dark-coloured fruits and vegetables like beetroot, spinach and broccoli.

Fish: Fish are a veritable mine of proteins. These allow your body to repair quickly from damages caused by viral attacks.

Citrus fruits: They are high on Vitamin C and E, which boost the immune system and stimulate the production of antibodies.

Bitter vegetables: They are important for the liver as they help to detoxify the body and boost the metabolism. Bitter gourd is a good option.

Alternative remedies to swine flu

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.

Yoga
Besides medicines, yoga may also prove to be a good option if one is trying to counter the H1N1 influenza.

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.

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.