Swine flu or swine influenza in simple terms is a disease of the respiratory system that is caused by influenza virus infecting the respiratory tract of humans which often results in nasal secretions cough and decreased appetite. Swine flu is a communicable disease that can be transmitted from one person to another by ingestion or inhalation of droplets containing the influenza virus from sneezing or coughing by infected persons.
Origin of Swine Flu
The first case of Swine influenza was discovered in the year 1930 in pigs. Later on, it was detected in people that were close with pigs (such as pork processors and the farmers) and gradually developed into a cross species infection. Swine flu virus may mutate to be easily transferable among humans to pigs or vice versa.
Status of H1NI
In 2009, a new strain of swine flu virus was detected in Mexico known as H1N1 flu. This strain infected people exhibiting two of the important antigens i.e. H1 (hemagglutinin type 1) and NI (neuraminidase type 1). During 2009-10, World Health Organization declared the H1N1 influenza – A Swine Flu pandemic under level 6 criterions with about 60.8 million cases of this virus detected and 12,469 human deaths having occurred in United States.
Symptoms and Signs of swine flu
The symptoms and signs of Swine Flu have similarity with most influenza infections that include,
- Fever (100° F or greater) along with cough, nasal secretions, fatigue
- Some patients may also get body rashes, sore throat, chills, nausea, body aches
- It has been observed that majority of persons infected by Swine Flu are youngsters suffering from collateral tissue damage.
- The incubation period from exposure to this virus with first signs/symptoms appearing is about one to four days with an average of two days.
Vaccination – A boon for Swine Flu patients
The best treatment for influenza infections as Swine Flu is prevention by vaccination. The first HIN1 vaccine was released in October 2009 as a nasal spray vaccine for individuals in the age group of 2-49. Later on, vaccine in the form of injection became available for those people in ages of 6 months to the elderly including pregnant females. The flu shot (vaccine) is made from killed virus particles therefore a person will not get flu from this vaccine that can be termed as a boon for many Swine Flu patients.
Bless of Ayurveda for Swine Flu
The Ayurvedic medical system has emerged as a blessing in disguise for the patients infected by Swine Flu.
- Ayurvedic treatment of Swine Flu includes prescribing Giloy capsules that are mentioned in Ayurveda for their antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and immune booster properties.
- The herbal extracts of Giloy have the capacity to inactivate the swine flu virus.
- The other remedies in ayurveda prescribed for killing Swine Flu virus is herbal extracts from four different herbs such as Haridra, Neem, Shirish and Ashwagandha. These four herbal extracts when given as a medicine removes toxins and fights against respiratory borne infections such as Swine Flu.
Miracle of Home Remedies
- Home remedies are capable of tackling the Swine Flu virus quite effectively. Some of the remedies include consuming daily five washed lives of Tulsi (Basil) in the morning as it has therapeutic properties that keeps throat and lungs clear from infections.
- Consuming raw garlic daily with lukewarm water in the morning is another way of tackling this infection.
- Aloe vera gel taken with water daily is another effective and miraculous home remedy for boosting immunity against infections line Swine Flu.
- You can prepare a decoction with 1 – 2 grams turmeric, around 5 leaves of tulsi, around 6 cloves, ½ tbsp black pepper, small pieces of giloy.
Curious facts on Swine Flu
Some of the curious facts about Swine flu:
- This virus is just as seasonal virus and may become extinct in due course when people become immune to H1N1 virus.
- Another curious thing is that pigs are not the only animals to transmit this virus but also turkeys and quail are.
Thus, Swine Flu can be easily prevented by taking remedial precautions or measures as mentioned above and it is not a dreaded disease as made out to be.
