Posts Tagged ‘H1N1’

How to Not Get Sick

With the recent outbreak of 2009 H1N1 or “swine flu” everybody who hasn’t caught the bug has one question. How can I not get sick? Well while there’s no way to be “flu proof” there are steps you can take to become virus-resistant. In the past two weeks my Mother, Grandmother, Sister and my best friend all came down with H1N1 and I was in close contact with them almost every day. The first thing I did was some research on viruses, the immune system, and ways to boost this system, and I put myself on a diet based on the results and to my surprise I never got sick. Here is what I came up with from my research and what I did to stay “un-sick”.

The first thing is to understand the illness. First is that H1N1 is a flu virus and cannot be killed by antibiotics, as those are only effective against bacteria.A bacteria is a living cell where as virus is just a tiny strand of DNA or RNA inside of a protein coat and some have a lipid membrane surrounding the coat, these are called enveloped viruses and ones without this membrane are naked viruses. Each type of virus is designed to attach to a special host cell and the cold and flu viruses both attack cells in the respiratory tract.So they float around until they come in contact with a host cell and they attach to it and inject their nucleic acid(DNA,RNA) and hijack the cell. The cell then produces the individual parts of the virus and the parts self assemble into a replica of the original virus and once there is enough of them the cell bursts and releases them to infect more cells and once the cell bursts it dies, however some viruses do not kill the cell. Eventually if the viruses go unchecked they will destroy so many cells that the person, or animal will eventually die but the immune system has its way of dealing with these invaders. Read more…

H1N1 Prevention Tips – What are the various H1N1 prevention tips?

H1N1 virus spreads very fast and it is the main cause of swine flu, the dreadful disease which has been responsible for killing hundreds across the globe.

People who do not follow the various H1N1 prevention tips can get easily infected by the flu virus. The H1N1 virus spreads from one person to other when a person gets in contact with the infected person.

If you are suffering from a cold or cough, you can take various precautions to prevent spreading the cold virus. Read more…

An Herbal Approach to H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)

Over the last few days, I have watched the media accelerate in alerting us to the possible shortage in the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccinations. We are being warned that the H1N1 virus will hit this winter in pandemic proportions. Many of us are quite frankly confused as to the prevenative/treatment approach for ourselves and family members. As practicing herbalist, I have been asked my opinion on this provocative issue.

Vaccinations are sometimes necessary. The elderly, persons with a compromised immune system and very young children should be protected. Caregivers are needed and are often not enough. Therefore, caregivers and educators should consider getting vaccinated. With that being said, the decision to be vaccinated should be weighed carefully. Are there sensible and easy options to protect you and your family without being vaccinated, while the choice is still ours? Sure there are, and one choice is to use an herbal approach.

Herbalism like prevention, is all about personal responsibility, responsibility to yourself and others. If you are sick, prevent others from being so by self quarantining. Most employers have viewed the H1N1 virus as a serious enough threat to encourage their employees to utilize their sick days when feeling ill. Some have even allowed employees to take days even when you have exhausted your sick time.

Prevention in this case and all other health concerns, is the most worthwhile consideration. Specifically for this flu season, building your immune system should be your utmost concern.

Herbs that build the immune system and can be taken prior to feeling ill are:

Astragulus (Astragalus Membranaceus) – A potent immune enhancer. Best taken before cold and flu season strikes, it builds the body’s resistance.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticos) – Has anti-viral properties and boost the immune system.

Codonopsis Root (Codonopis pilosulae) – For immune deficiency and frequent infections

Schizandra Berries (Schizandra chinensis) – Boost the body’s immune function

Reishi Mushroom – (Ganoderma lucidum) – Stimulates the immune system

All of the herbs listed above can be taken as a tea or a tincture during this flu season on a preventive basis.

What to do if you are feeling ill:

Know your body and recognize the symptoms of illness. Everyone begins to feel ill in a different way; fatigue, sore throat, headache, nausea, chills, etc. The first hour of an illness setting in is most important in treating that illness. An herbal approach to treatment of the flu includes all of the following: clearing toxins and excess conditions by increasing sweating, killing germs and reducing fever, pains, stiffness and congestion.

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Swine Flu Symptons – Look Out for Swine Flu Symptoms!

One of the most deadly diseases which have shocked the world in recent times is H1N1 which in other words is known as Swine Flu.

This H1N1 not only affects kids but also human beings of all ages. As of now scientists are doing research on how to cure swine flu as there is no cure for this disease.

Prevention is the only way and there are many precautionary steps which have been advised by physicians.

Some of the H1N1 symptoms are body ache, vomit, and fever for 2-3 days continuously, breathing problems, cold and cough. Read more…

Swine Flu – H1N1 Virus – Outbreak Information – Part 1

Although swine flu, H1N1 virus, outbreak information is scarce, should I be concerned? The purpose of this article and the follow up to it is not to alarm you, rather, the purpose is to inform you and let you begin to prepare now. Although little outbreak information on swine flu, H1N1 virus, is seen, you should be concerned enough for your family to begin preparing for this next flu season. On August 25, 2009 NBC morning news reported some interesting statistics from an article in Time Magazine.

The report said that as many as one-half of Americans could be infected by the H1N1 virus. If this were to occur, our hospitals – short staffed as they are – would be overwhelmed. As many as 30,000 – 60,000 deaths could occur as a result of the H1N1 virus, and over 50% of these deaths among young adults and pregnant women.

The H1N1 virus needs to get your attention so you can begin planning for your family, today. The target age group is 2 to 49 years of age. The young adults seem to be the hardest hit of all age groups. If you’re pregnant, you are especially vulnerable to attack by this flu virus. For some reason pregnant women contract the flu more readily, and they have the most trouble overcoming it.

You might be wondering, “Can I avoid catching the H1N1 virus?” It is possible! Some people simply have built in immunity to the flu and cold viruses. It is rare if they ever catch a cold or have the flu. Perhaps one reason for their never getting sick is they have a great immune system. If you aren’t one of those, then here’s what you may need to consider. Begin to build your immune system, now. Always consult your physician before you begin taking any kind of product-natural or not.

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