Swine Flu - how to avoid it?

Hello girls,

This H1N1 virus has India very badly and the death toll is increasing day by day. I live in Mumbai. Everyday some new cases are coming up. Many of the schools here are closed. I want to know the proper safety precautions that can be taken to avoid getting affected by this virus. If you know any such things then do post.

Hope you all will…

Love,

Shreya

Hi shreya,

i know couple of things to prevent swine flu

1. Take TULASI (or Tulasi water) it has very good fighting abilities
2. Drink a glass of milk with little bit of turmeric powder mixed, before going to bed.

I'll let you know further details if i come to know.

-Navi

Hey Navi,

Thanks for helping me. With the Ganesh Chaturthi in full swing, I really need to know. This is because I will hardly stay at home, I will hang out with my friends and relatives throughout Mumbai.
It will be very kind of you if you forward me more details and information on swine flu.

Thanks again,

Shreya

Some tips for prevention from AIIMS doctor

Friends,

Thanks to media hype about H1N1, several people who trust me have either
approached or called me to advice. The hype in media about the utility of
face masks and N95 respirators as a tool for general protection against H1N1
can't be deplored enough. Yesterday, a friend who listened wanted me to
write down briefly what I advised so that he could tell others in similar
words. Hence this short email to friends whom I have advised recently (and
others whom I haven't yet). Please realize that this is not an official
advice, especially the one about face masks or N95.

Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates of 0.3µ, while
the size of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ. Hence, dependence on N95 to protect
against H1N1 is like protecting against rain with an umbrella made of
mosquito net.

Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation till the
virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle).
H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory
tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the
nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost
impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions.
Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection,
in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development
of secondary infections, some very simple steps - not fully highlighted in
most official communications - can be practiced (instead of focusing on how
to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part
of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't
trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/
nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms.
Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water
has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected
one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative
method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with
warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very
good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a
day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is
very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla
and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets,
make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the
same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off
proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot
survive, proliferate or do any harm.

All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households, and
certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside public
hospitals.

Happy breathing!

Tulsi can help keep swine flu away: Ayurvedic experts

Lucknow, May 27: Wonder herb Tulsi can not only keep the dreaded swine flu at bay but also help in fast recovery of an afflicted person, Ayurvedic practitioners claim.


"The anti-flu property of Tulsi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu," Dr U K Tiwari, a [COLOR=blue! important][COLOR=blue! important]herbal [COLOR=blue! important]medicine[/color][/color][/color]
practitioner says.

Apart from acting as a preventive medicine in case of swine flu, Tulsi can help the patient recover faster.

"Even when a person has already contracted swine flu, Tulsi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body," he claims.

Dr Bhupesh Patel, a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar is also of the view that Tulsi can play an important role in controlling swine flu.

"Tulsi can control swine flu and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach."

This increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of inviting swine flu," believes Patel.

Bureau Report



From: http://www.reenitamalhotrahora.com/nine-rejuvenating-herbs-and-fruits-that-will-get-you-to-the-top-of-your-game-in-2009/ Date 4th. Aug 2009


See also: http://article.wn.com/view/2009/06/12/An_Ayurvedic_approach_to_building_immunity_during_ the_outbre/?section=RegionNAmerica&template=worldnews%2Findex .txt

How to prevent the spread of H1N1 Flu?

Wash Your Hands:
Before eating or preparing food
After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
After using the washroom

Hand washing technique:
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Rinse well, with hands held downward. Dry with a paper towel, then use the towel to turn off the faucet
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Alcohol-based hand cleansers significantly reduce the number of germs

Spread of germs:
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread when a person touches something contaminated and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth

Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Attempt to keep at least three (3) feet or one (1) meter away from ill individuals
When sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick
Practice respiratory etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, use tissues and dispose them properly. Wash your hands afterwards
Government of India Revised Guidelines for testing people with flu-like symptoms, reporting to hospitals

Due to the onset of the influenza season in the country and to make the testing facility for H1N1 more accessible, Government of India has revised the existing guidelines.

Under the new guidelines, any person with flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, cold, running nose etc. should go to a designated government facility for giving his/her sample for H1N1 testing. After clinical assessment, the designated medical officer will decide on the need for further clinical tests. Except for cases that are severe, the patient will be allowed to go home (this was not allowed under the existing guidelines).

Samples will be collected from suspected cases and sent to the notified laboratory for testing. If tested positive for H1N1 and in case the symptoms are mild, the patient will be notified and given the option of admission into the hospital or isolation and treatment at his/her own home.

In case the patient opts for home isolation and treatment, he/she would be provided with detailed guidelines/safety measures to be strictly adhered to by the entire household of the patient. He/ she is required to provide full contact details of all household members and social contacts so that they may be provided with preventive treatment.

The decision of the doctor from the notified hospital regarding admitting the patient will be final. In case the test results are negative, the patient will be informed, accordingly.

Flu Update

This advisory is constructed to inform you about the nature and symptoms of H1N1 flu, precautions you can take at home and the workplace, and the Government of India's guidelines.
India has reported 1078 positive cases of H1N1 flu so far. Of these, 589 have been treated and discharged. Total of 9 deaths have been reported by Ministry of [COLOR=blue! important][COLOR=blue! important]Health[/color][/color] & Family welfare as on 11 Aug 09. Due to the increase in reported cases of H1N1, the Government of Maharashtra has invoked the Epidemic Control Act to help prevent further spread of the pandemic H1N1 virus. The Act requires that people with symptoms of the H1N1 influenza are to report to government hospitals, where appropriate diagnostic tests or treatment will be provided.

All continents are currently affected by the pandemic. As of 31st of July 2009, 168 countries reported at least one laboratory confirmed case of H1N1 to World Health Organization (WHO).
It is also true that the viral behavior may change; but there is no evidence that it has done so. IBM is monitoring the situation very closely and remains vigilant in its surveillance of the disease. Meanwhile, we will continue to adapt our management processes, as required. IBM client support and business operations continue without disruption.
Facts about H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
To date most people around the world who have contracted the H1N1 virus suffer a relatively mild illness which can be cured on its own without medication. A very low proportion of cases are reported with serious health problems.

Currently, the virus is expected to be prevalent in communities around the globe for some months to come. This virus spreads from person-to-person, probably the same way that seasonal influenza viruses spread. There are many actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and the workplace.

Signs and symptoms of the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include fever, cough, headache, body aches, chills, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat and running nose. A significant number of people who have been infected with the H1N1 virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.

The high risk groups for H1N1 flu are not known definitively at this time, but it’s possible that they may be the same as is the case for seasonal influenza. People at higher risk of serious complications from seasonal flu include people over the age of 65 years, children below the age of five years, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or [COLOR=blue! important][COLOR=blue! important]heart [COLOR=blue! important]disease[/color][/color][/color]), and those who are immunosuppressive (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications, infected with HIV). Researchers are still trying to determine if younger people are more susceptible to H1N1 Flu.

Hello Uma,

You have done a wonderful job of providing all the needed information on H1N1. I am going to copy & paste it in my pc and then make a print out. Thanks a lot…I am sure it will help all of us.
Thanking you again and thanks to Shreya also for writing about this topic.
Happy Ganesh Pujo in between. Lol!!!
Enjoy with safety and alertness.

Love,

Aparajita

Hey Uma,

Thanks for providing all the necessary information about the swine flu. You have actually answered all my queries; I am much tensed with this swine flue spreading so fast. Between I dint understand this COLOR BLUE thing.
Could you please explain this in detail?

Cheers,

Aditi

Hello Uma,

Thanks a lot for posting so much on swine flu. I really needed it. In fact, I think it is necessary for each one of you. I too dint understand this Color blue that you have mentioned Uma. Will you please write about it in details?

You really need SPECIAL THANKS for the information on swine flu.

Love,

Shreya