HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR SWINE FLU OR H1N1 FLU

Technically, the term "swine flu" refers to influenza in pigs. Occasionally, pigs transmit influenza viruses to people, mainly to hog farmers and veterinarians. Less often, someone infected with swine flu passes the infection to others.

The human respiratory infection caused by a particular influenza virus H1N1 strain — popularly known as swine flu — was first recognized in spring 2009. A few months after the first swine flu cases were reported, rates of confirmed H1N1-related illness were increasing in much of the world. As a result, the World Health Organization declared the infection a global pandemic.

The pandemic was declared over in August 2010. Currently, H1N1 is still circulating in humans as a seasonal flu virus and protection against this strain was included in the seasonal flu vaccine for 2015-16. Another strain, H3N2 emerged in humans in 2011

Causes--Influenza viruses infect the cells lining your nose, throat and lungs. The virus enters your body when you inhale contaminated droplets or transfer live virus from a contaminated surface to your eyes, nose or mouth.

You can't catch swine flu from eating pork.

Symptoms-H1N1 flu signs and symptoms in humans are similar to those of other flu strains:

·         Fever (but not always)

·         Cough

·         Sore throat

·         Runny or stuffy nose

·         Watery, red eyes

·         Body aches

·         Headache

·         Fatigue

·         Diarrhea

·         Nausea and vomiting

H1N1 flu symptoms develop about one to three days after you're exposed to the virus.

Risk factors--If you've traveled to an area where many people are affected by swine flu (H1N1 flu), you may have been exposed to the virus, particularly if you spent time in large crowds.

Swine farmers and veterinarians have the highest risk of true swine flu because of their exposure to pigs.

Complications--Influenza complications include:

·         Worsening of chronic conditions, such as heart disease and asthma

·         Pneumonia

·         Neurological signs and symptoms, ranging from confusion to seizures

·         Respiratory failure

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Well selected Homoeopathic medicines are effective for the management and prevention of swine flu.

Some of the important remedies are given below-

GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS 1X- Gelsemium is one of the top remedies for Swine flue with dullness drowsiness and weakness. It is prescribed when there is running nose , which is bland and sneezing accompanied by pain in eyes and head. The patient may also experience weakness and drowsiness. There is frequent and violent chilliness up and down the back, face flushed and dark red. There is much muscular soreness  and severe headache. No thirst is another key note symptom with trembling. The patient wants to be held because he shakes so.

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM 2X—Eupatorium perfoliatum is another leading remedy for swine flue with severe deep bone pains which is relieved by pressure and movement.Eupatorium is indicated in fever with chill followed by vomiting of bile.Chill preceded by thirst with great soreness and aching of bones. Shivering runs down the back and spreads to extremities. The patient also has coryza with sneezing, hoarseness and loose cough. The patient feels dryness of the body.

BRYONIA ALB. 30-Bryonia alb is indicated when flue is complicated with pneumonia. There are stitching, tearing , shooting pains in muscles which is aggravated by least movement.Dry hacking cough causing much pain in the lungs and chest. Dry mouth with  thirst for large quantities of cold water and bitter taste in mouth. Severe bursting , splitting type of headache. Much sweating of the body occurs.

ARSENICUM ALBUM 30- Arsenic album is one of the excellent remedies for Swine flu with  thin watery discharge from the nose.The discharge leads to a burning sensation and most of the times it is accompanied by sneezing. The person’s condition gets worse in cold air.Being in a warm room can provide some relief to the patient. Another striking symptoms are great restlessness with complete exhaustion  and  thirst for small quantities of water at short intervals.

RHUS TOXICODENDRON 30- Rhus tox is another effective remedy for Swine flu with constant chilliness as if cold water was poured over the body or as if the blood ran cold through the veins. There is much aching pain in limbs , which is aggravated by rest, better from movement.Another prescribing symptoms are restlessness and the patient tosses about in bed which gives relief. The tongue is dry with triangular red tip. There is hard tickling cough.

DULCAMARA 30- Dulcamara is one of the best remedies in acute form. It is brought on by wet or change to cold weather. Other symptoms are- eyes suffused, throat sore, cough hurts due to muscular soreness.

BAPTISIA TIN. Q- Baptisia tic. Is effective in  Swine flu with marked gastro-intestinal symptoms. Flue with besotted countenance , bleary eyes, aching head, sore throat, pains and soreness all over the body and profound prostration. Stupid look with stupor from which it is difficult to arouse the patient.

CAUSTICUM 1000—Causticum is also effective when there is high fever, flushed face, no chilliness, much prostration, could hardly get out of bed . Nose stopped, coryza free, watery. Hoarseness. Dry hacking cough , which is persistent.

OSCILLOCOCCINUM 200- Placebo- controlled studies shows that this medicine is effective for Swine flu , it shortens the duration of flu symptoms. It can also used  for prevention of Swine flue

PREVENTION- Influvenzinum 200 , Osillococcinum 200, and Merc sol 1000x are considered as good preventive medicines.

The following  measures also help prevent swine flu (H1N1 flu) and limit its spread:

Stay home if you're sick. If you have swine flu (H1N1 flu), you can give it to others. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Use soap and water, or if they're unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Contain your coughs and sneezes. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. To avoid contaminating your hands, cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inner crook of your elbow.

Avoid contact. Stay away from crowds if possible. And if you're at high risk of complications from the flu — for example, you're younger than 5 or you're 65 or older, you're pregnant, or you have a chronic medical condition such as asthma — consider avoiding swine barns at seasonal fairs and elsewhere.

Reduce exposure within your household. If a member of your household has swine flu, designate only one household member to be responsible for the ill person's personal care