Swine Flu Outbreak and Natural Remedies
What is Swine Flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by influenza type A which infects pigs. There are many types, and the infection is constantly changing.
Until now it has not normally infected humans, but the latest form clearly does, and can be spread from person to person - probably through coughing and sneezing.
The World Health Organization has confirmed that at least some of the human cases are a never-before-seen version of the H1N1 strain of influenza type A.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of swine flu in humans appear to be similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu.
The Mexican government reports seeing these symptoms:
-- Sudden fever above 38degree Celsius / 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
-- Dry cough and/or sore throat.
-- Headache.
-- Joint pain.
-- Nasal congestion.
-- General fatigue.
Most cases so far reported around the world appear to be mild, but in Mexico lives have been lost.
In contrast to seasonal flu symptoms Swine flu may cause more severe vomiting and diarrhea. In rare cases, flu virus attacks the lungs, a complication that can be fatal. This strain also differs because it is so new. As a result, no one has natural immunity to it, unlike with seasonal flu.
What is the Conventional Treatment?
The US authorities say that two drugs commonly used to treat flu, Tamiflu and Relenza, seem to be effective at treating cases that have occurred there so far. However, the drugs must be administered at an early stage to be effective.
Use of these drugs may also make it less likely that infected people will pass the virus on to others. The UK Government already has a stockpile of Tamiflu, ordered as a precaution against a pandemic.
It is unclear how effective currently available flu vaccines would be at offering protection against the new strain, as it is genetically distinct from other flu strains. US scientists are already developing a bespoke new vaccine, but it may take some time to perfect it, and manufacture enough supplies to meet what could be huge demand.
A vaccine was used to protect humans from a version of swine flu in the US in 1976. However, it caused serious side effects, including an estimated 500 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome. There were more deaths from the vaccine than the outbreak.
Is This Just a Short Term Concern?
Unfortunately now that the H1N1 virus has spread within the human population it can continue to evolve into forms that can be more easily transmitted between people, as well as into forms that become more severe over time. This could lead to second or third waves – possibly next winter - of the pandemic with higher mortality rates.
What General Measures Can I Take to Prevent Infection?
Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough.
General infection control practices and good hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible and disposing of it promptly.
It is also important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people. Wash your hands after being on public transport and clean hard surfaces like door handles frequently using a normal cleaning product.
If caring for someone with a flu-like illness, a mask can be worn to cover the nose and mouth to reduce the risk of transmission. The UK is looking at increasing its stockpile of masks for healthcare workers for this reason. But experts say there is no scientific evidence to support more general wearing of masks to guard against infections.
How Can I Boost my Immunity?
It is sensible to make sure your immune system is in peak form by:
- Taking care of your body – i.e. get enough sleep, keep warm etc
- Addressing any stress that can easily run you down and make you more susceptible to illness. Drink Lemon Balm tea and take the herb Astragalus to help your body adapt better to stress and increase B vitamins. (Stop taking Astragalus if you develop active flu symptoms as it is too stimulating).
- Eating nourishing, balanced food, including plenty of fruit and veggies, especially cruciferous ones such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower etc.
- Anthocyanins are antioxidant compounds found in high amounts in dark blue, black and red berries. Antioxidants have many benefits such as improving general cellular health, reducing inflammation and improving circulation. Eat blueberries, blackberries, cherries etc, drink cranberry capsules, or take bilberry tincture.
- Add warming, antimicrobial herbs liberally to food – e.g. garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary, turmeric, ginger, cayenne
- There has been some research done, by Friel and Lederman for example, into the best supplements to take to prevent and treat severe flu. The key supplements appear to be: vitamin C, selenium, vitamin E, zinc, resveratrol (red grape extract) and quercetin.
To help prevent getting ill, combine different natural therapies:
- Elderberry and Echinacea: Traditional herbal remedies to prevent and shorten the duration of the symptoms of colds and flu. Take 1ml of combined tincture 3 times a day for prevention during an outbreak.
- Use an oil burner at home and work with antimicrobial essential oils such as lemon, pine, thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree
- The following herbs are anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing, anti-microbial and have been scientifically researched by the Complementary Medicine Association, USA to have specific relevance to the health problems faced by people with severe influenza: garlic, turmeric, resveratrol (red grape extract), ginger, rosemary. Add these to your diet or take supplements.
- Take at least 500mg of vitamin C and a multivitamin and mineral supplement daily.
What if I Get Flu?
If you feel yourself coming down with a cold or the flu, use:
Homoeopathy
Homoeopathy had great success recorded during the devastating flu epidemic of 1918. Just one example from the USA is of Dean W. A. Pearson of Philadelphia who collected 26,795 cases of influenza treated by homeopathic physicians with a mortality of 1.05%, while the average under conventional treatment was 30%. Recoveries in the National Homoeopathic Hospital were 100%. (Winston, J., The New England Journal of Homeopathy, Spring/Summer 1998, Vol.7 No.1).
The challenge with homoeopathy is that there are a number of different remedies that may be needed. The most likely ones are described below, and you should definitely keep these at home ‘in case’ but you should also check out the National Centre for Homeopathy website for more detailed information, or talk to a qualified homoeopath.
- Gelsemium 30: Classic flu symptoms – the most common ‘life-saving’ remedy given in the 1918 flu epidemic. Shivers in spine. Headache. Person feels weak. One dose every 4 hours for several days until symptoms improve.
- Aconite 30: Feeling of going down with something. Sudden onset of feverish stage of colds and flu. Sore throat. Dry painful cough. Symptoms may come on after exposure to cold. Take every 4 hours for the first day then consider if a different remedy is needed.
- Ant tart 30: The flu virus can go on to cause severe respiratory symptoms with congested lungs and pneumonia. This homoeopathic remedy best covers this stage of flu symptoms, so take this if the flu symptoms develop onto the chest. One dose every 4 hours for several days until symptoms improve.
- Arsen Alb 30: Flu with shivering, restlessness and anxiety. Great exhaustion. Vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Bryonia 30: The second most useful remedy for the 1918 flu outbreak. Symptoms are of a severe splitting headache and the patient just wants to be left alone. Flu symptoms may develop into gushing diarrhea. A cough may also begin to develop. One dose every 4 hours for several days until symptoms improve.
Herbs
Herbal Flu Blend
A herbal blend to treat initial symptoms of flu, i.e. feverishness, headache. It is thought that if the initial, feverish, symptoms of flu are treated properly then serious symptoms are less likely to develop.
Plantain 25%, Yarrow 25%, Peppermint 25%, Elderflowers 25%
To make infusion, take one large teaspoon of blended herbs and cover with 250ml of boiling water, let it infuse, strain and drink. Not suitable during pregnancy.
What else can I do?
As with all illness, it is important to rest to ensure your energy is directed into fighting off the infection and getting well again. As influenza is contagious, it is also better to remain at home to help contain the virus.
To help prevent or prepare for illness, it would be wise to consider:
- Stocking up on relevant remedies, supplements, food and juices
- Cooking and freezing some meals in case you get sick
