Swine flu is a respiratory disease that is caused by influenza type A virus.

Swine flu is highly contagious and can spread from person to person by mouth and nasal secretions (Cough, sneeze, talking, and singing) or by direct contact with an infected person. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. It can affect people of all ages and can cause sore throat, nasal congestion, running nose, chills, fever, body aches, headaches, frequent and intense cough etc.

There are three types of viruses (A, B, C) and many other sub-types. The H1N1 flu is type A flu identified by the Mexican government in May 2009. This type of virus mainly affects the pigs but, sometimes, can occur in people having close contact with pig. This virus in particularly spreads every body regardless of age, however children and the elderly have more mortality risk.

The diagnosis is made by testing the nasal or throat secretion of the affected person. Do not self treat to deal with this virus, it may only suppress the symptoms and block the self defense mechanism of the body making it more difficult to recover or treat. Always seek medical advice.

Preventive measures / Home remedies to prevent Swine flu

Regular washing of your hands, especially before a meal, with soap and warm water. Maintain good personal hygiene.
Cover Your Nose and Mouth when someone is sneezing or coughing near you; you may cover your nose and mouth with the inside of your palms or with your tissue/hand kerchief.
Alternately, you can wear mask of type N95 before going outside. Wear Triple layer mask or 2 masks of 2 layer ordinary masks. This barrier method does offer some basic protection against infection though not all masks are equally capable of filtering.
Avoid touching of inside nose or mouth with your hands since swine flu appears to be transmitted through respiratory droplets similar to common cold.
If swine flu infections have been medically confirmed in your area avoid public gatherings. Reduce the time spent in crowded places.
Avoid visiting infected persons. In unavoidable cases, keep a distance 1 meter from them. Reduce the time spent with infected person. Take care not to touch wash basin taps, door handles, coat rails or any material in patient’s room. Take a bath with antiseptic soap immediately after visiting infected person.
Drink lemon balm tea twice every day (Lemon Balm is a herb and its leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint)
Chew Fresh Garlic Cloves (2-3) once or twice everyday. Or alternatively use two garlic capsules twice a day.

Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of honey, add one cup of warm water and drink every morning.
Apply mustard oil inside there nostrils thrice a day.
Chew and swallow 10 to 12 Tulsi or Basil leaves in early morning.
Steam Inhalation can relieve from congestion from the lungs.

Flu and Vitamins
Take Vitamin D 2000-5000 mg a day. The best form of Vitamin D to use is D3.
Take Vitamin C 200 mg. For best results, combine with foods rich in vitamin C and calcium.
Take Vitamin E, a supplemental dose between 100-400 mg.

The above are general information for preventive measures. Consult your family doctor for treatments.

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