Home Remedies for Swine Flu

What Is Swine Flu?

H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, is primarily caused by the H1N1 strain of the influenza (flu) virus. H1N1 is a type of influenza A virus, and H1N1 is one of several influenza virus strains that can cause seasonal flu. The symptoms of H1N1 flu and seasonal flu are similar. It easily spreads from one person to another though coughs or sneezes. Airborne droplets or aerosol containing the virus when inhaled cause this infection. It is also possible to get infected if one touches their mouth, nose, or eyes after touching a contaminated surface. One cannot get H1N1 from the intake of pork.

Who Are at Increased Risk of Swine Flu?

People who are at higher risk of flu, including H1N1, or have severe symptoms or complications are listed as below:

• People aged over 65 years.

• Children under five years.

• People with conditions, such as diabetes.

• Pregnant women.

• People with chronic lung conditions, such as asthma.

• People with chronic heart conditions, such as heart failure.

• Immunocompromised people.

• People with neurologic conditions.

What Are the Symptoms of Swine Flu?

People with swine flu may have the following symptoms:

• Fever.

• Headache.

• Cough.

• Sore throat.

• Body aches.

What Are Home Remedies for Swine Flu?

Steps for managing swine flu symptoms at home and preventing further infection include the following:

• Drink Lots of Water - Choose water, juices, and warm soups to avoid dehydration.

• Take Adequate Rest - Get more sleep to help the immune system fight infections.

• Consider Pain Relievers - Using over-the-counter pain relievers such as Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen. One should be careful when giving Aspirin to children and adolescents. Aspirin is approved for use in children over the age of three, but children and adolescents recovering from chickenpox or flu-like conditions should avoid Aspirin. Aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a potentially rare life-threatening condition.

• Proper Hygiene - Washing hands regularly with soap and water.

• Exercising Often - Regular exercise every day.

• Managing Stress - Taking care of the stress with proper therapy.

• Eating a Balanced Diet - Eating a nourishing diet helps improve immunity to fight the virus.

• Maintain Distance - Avoid being close to any person with suspected flu symptoms.

• Avoiding Contact with Contaminated Surfaces - Touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus can lead to infection.

• Saline Water - Gargling with salt water helps prevent any upper respiratory tract infections. It can also lead to a reduction in the severity of cold symptoms. For example, it can relieve a sore throat and nasal congestion. To prepare, dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. Wash the mouth and the throat by moving it around by breathing through it while making a gurgling noise. Then spit it out.

• Vapour Rub - Some may find the odor unpleasant or annoying, but Vapor ointments seem to reduce nighttime coughing in children ages two and up. Just one to two applications before bed can help open airways to decongest, reduce coughing, and improve sleep. Some doctors advise parents not to give over-the-counter cold medicines to young children because of the unwanted side effects.

• Humidity - The virus thrives in dry environments. Increasing the humidity in the home can reduce the risk of exposure to the virus that causes the flu. Increased humidity reduces nasal infections and makes it easier to breathe when sick. Temporarily adding a cool-mist humidifier to the bedroom can help one feel more comfortable. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil can also ease breathing. However, care should be taken that the water being used in the humidifier is changed daily to prevent the growth of mold and other fungi. To get the same effect without a humidifier, take a long hot shower or linger in a stuffy bathroom.

• Warm Bath - A warm sponge bath may help reduce fever in children. A warm bath can also help relieve severe cold and flu symptoms in adults. Adding baking soda and Epsom salt to water can help relieve body aches. Adding a few drops of essential oils like tea tree, juniper, rosemary, thyme, orange, lavender, and eucalyptus can also provide a calming effect.

• Probiotics - Probiotics are good bacteria found in the body, some foods, and supplements. These are necessary for immunity and one can reduce the chances of getting upper respiratory infections.

• Garlic - Garlic contains a compound called allicin. It provides an antibacterial effect. Adding garlic supplements to the diet helps reduce the severity of cold symptoms.

• Honey - It has various antibacterial and antibiotic properties. A sore throat can be soothed by adding honey to tea with lemon. Research has suggested that honey is also an effective cough suppressant.

• Ginger - Adding a few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water and drinking it may help soothe a cough or sore throat.

• Chicken Soup - Enjoying freshly made warm chicken soup with vegetables slows the movement of neutrophils (immune cells) in the body relieving the symptoms.

How Is Swine Flu Treated?

The aim of the treatment is to relieve the symptoms of the disease. However, some patients may need drugs called antivirals. This is a drug that fights viruses that invade and multiply in the body. Two antiviral drugs that are already in use against another type of influenza known as bird flu. These are called Oseltamivir, and Zanamivir. These medications belong to a class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors, which block the action of a protein called neuraminidase. This neuraminidase is essential for the virus to multiply in the body. A lack of this protein stops the virus from multiplying and stops the disease.

Two other drugs are available for influenza. These are Amantadine and Rimantadine. Antiviral drugs should be taken as soon as an infection begins. Although disease progression is often similar with or without drugs, high-risk populations require antiviral drugs to reduce the risk of serious complications and death. The World Health Organization recommends that these patients require adequate supportive care to support breathing and start treatment with Oseltamivir as soon as possible. Zanamavir is an alternative to Oseltamivir.

What Good Hygiene Measures Can Prevent Swine Flu?

Good hygiene is essential to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. These include:

• Correct hand-washing habits. Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.

• Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Dispose of the tissue in the trash can after use.

• Adequate and proper disposal of used tissues containing infected secretions.

• Thoroughly clean hard surfaces with a commercially available cleaning solution.

• Avoid close contact with any infected person.

• Wearing a face mask helps prevent infection not only in exposed people but also in health care professionals who work closely with people infected with viruses such as swine flu.

• Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth repeatedly. Germs spread in this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illnesses.

• If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away from work or school, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

• If one is having any respiratory distress, one should report to a nearby hospital.

Is There Any Vaccination for Swine Flu?

A swine flu vaccine is available to prevent infection. Special high-risk populations should be fully covered to prevent possible complications. The 2009 H1N1 that caused swine flu is now part of seasonal flu vaccines. It is administered to pregnant women, the elderly, and all in the high risk. For example, people exposed to swine flu cases, travels to areas with swine flu cases, family contacts, school children, risk groups, and health care professionals are also at risk.

Some of these people may need to be prescribed antiviral drugs to prevent infection. This includes people at high risk for complications, such as pregnant women, the elderly, or those who are immunocompromised and with long-term illnesses. If generally healthy and with signs and symptoms of flu, such as fever, cough, or body aches, one does not need to see a doctor.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Help for Swine Flu?

Anyone with difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, or bluish discoloration (cyanosis) should be rushed to the emergency room urgently. Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing the following emergency signs and symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

• Chest pain.

• Persistent dizziness.

• Seizure.

• Exacerbation of pre-existing medical conditions.

• Severe weakness or muscle pain.

• Blue lips.

• Dehydration.

• Severe muscle pain.

Conclusion:

Swine flu treatment is dependent on the patient's condition. The doctors prescribe cough medicines, fever reducers, and pain relievers to treat swine flu. Intravenous fluids may be required in severe cases of swine flu. Patients are asked to stay at home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible. Swine flu leads to complications such as exacerbation of pre-existing chronic conditions such as heart disease and asthma, lung infection, and neurologic signs, from confusion to seizures and apnea. Home isolation and some home remedies can help with the management of swine flu along with conventional antiviral treatments.