Swine flu (2009 H1N1 flu) is a viral infection that causes a range of symptoms similar to the seasonal flu and was initially transmitted from pigs to humans. The virus is a mutation of the type A influenza virus from humans and birds and most of the cases we now see is due to person to person transmission. While the media hype around swine flu and deaths due to the infection continue to create widespread concern, the reality is that in a healthy person, swine flu is not the deadly virus that it is portrayed as.
Swine Flu Deaths
Most swine (H1N1) flu deaths to date have occurred in patients who were immunocompromised, particularly those with chronic conditions, suffered with poor health or were HIV/AIDS patients. In a few isolated cases where apparently healthy persons died from swine flu, there was usually a history of strenuous exercise or physical activity while the infection was active. This strain on the body accelerated the infection to a point where even a healthy body succumbed to the infection.
Swine Flu Infection
If you suspect that you have the swine flu, consult with your medical doctor immediately. Initially, the infection will present similar to the seasonal influenza or may even be mistaken for a common cold. The symptoms are usually more severe than these viral infections and other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea may also be noted. With poor supervision, this can progress to a severe lower respiratory tract infection that can lead to pneumonia.
Antivirals like Tamiflu and Relenza are effective in reducing the severity of the infection but should only be used when and as directed by the attending physician. Incorrect use of antivirals contribute to drug resistant strains of the H1N1 flu virus which in the long term is more devastating. These patterns have been seen in the incorrect use of antibiotics leading to multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) or even extreme drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB).
Natural Remedies for Swine Flu (2009 H1N1 Flu)
Before considering any natural remedies or alternative therapies for swine flu, it is important to understand that the complications of swine flu infection ca be very severe especially in those that are at risk. This includes HIV/AIDS patients, those with chronic diseases, the elderly, pregnant women, children and health care workers. While some natural remedies may be effective in preventing infection, no conclusive research exists to verify this.
Swine Flu Herbal Remedies
- Echinacea angustifolia (purple coneflower) is still the most widely used herb due to its immune boosting properties. The extensive research done thus far has indicated that Echinacea may be very effective in a number of viral infections. Echinacea may be useful as a preventative (prophylaxis) in swine flu but once the infection is active, avoid herbal remedies and consult with your doctor immediately.
- If using any remedy, like Echinacea, take the appropriate dosage as per your body weight and age. Excessive use of Echinacea can cause diarrhea and high dosages over a long term could affect liver functioning.
- Other immune boosting herbs like Astragalus, reishi, shiitake and garlic may also prove useful in preventing colds and flu’s.
- If you are experiencing increased mucus production, runny nose and post nasal drip with a cough, you should consider herbs like Sambucus nigra (elder) and Tussilage farfara (coltsfoot). This should not be used while you are suffering with the flu or if you are on other medication. However, these herbs may be useful for persistent mucus production after the flu.
- If you are suffering with any autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Sjogren’s syndrome, SLE (lupus), avoid immune boosting herbs altogether. They may aggravate your chronic condition. A herbal immune modulator may be advisable. This also applies to HIV-positive patients with a very low CD4 count or high viral load.
Swine Flu Homeopathic Remedies
- Homeopathic remedies do not have a direct chemical effect on the body (pharmacological action) and can be safely used with other drugs. Homeopathic remedies should be considered for symptomatic relief during the infection, especially if other drugs are being avoided due to the use of anti-virals.
- Remedies such as the homeopathic anti-inflammatory for pain may be useful for body aches and pains as a result of the flu.
- Homeopathic remedies like Podophyllum, Arsencium album and Carbo vegetabilis should be considered in diarrhea.
- For nausea, homeopathic remedies like Nux vomica, Tabacum, Ipecacuanha may be useful.
- For excessive mucus production, homeopathic remedies such as Sambucus nigra, Allium cepa and Kali muriaticum may assist.
For nutritional supplementation, consider a simplex vitamin and mineral prescription with high doses of vitamin C, zinc and selenium.
Always consult with your medical doctor or a qualified alternative health practitioner before commencing any complementary medicines.