Swine Flu – Possible Protection Measures Against the Deadly Disease

We all live in a world of microbes. We know that they are more powerful than us though they are very tiny in size. These days Swine Flu is in spotlight whether it is a news channel, newspapers or any talk show. Swine Flu is a term given for Influenza that can be transmitted from animals to humans, especially swine.

More than a few thousands of people die of different kinds of flue in the United States every year. The diseases are of three main types: Endemic, Pandemic & Epidemic on the basis of their geographic distribution. Endemic are affecting a very limited area, Epidemics can spread like fire, but can be controlled with effective methods of medication & hygiene whereas Pandemics are spreading worldwide due to its long lasting & recurrent nature.

Swine Flu is not new for any of us. It is a respiratory illness exhibiting the symptoms of fever, running nose, sore throat, occasionally vomiting & diarrhea may be observed. Initially the swine flu spreads in the pigs, especially if they are not taken care of. The pigs are mostly popular for meat industries for high profit. These kinds of pigs are most vulnerable to infections of influenza that we call Swine Flu. Later on, these pigs cross infect the surrounding humans, and these humans serves the role of an active carrier, who either themselves may or may not be actively infected, but may offer themselves as vehicles for the better mobility of those influenza viruses.

Unfortunately, most of us are well aware that bacterial infections are easy to control as compared to the viral infections, but we have a tradition to take a lot of antibiotics even if the disease is a viral one. However, the use of antibiotics here may be to avoid secondary bacterial infections, but they do not offer any good treatment or what we call in other words ‘ Main Treatment’ of swine Flu’. So, simply we can say that as far as the treatment of swine flu is concerned, Antibiotics are ineffective. Antiviral drugs are the best choice, but due the ever dynamic nature of these viruses. The viruses change their sensitivity patterns towards these drugs and that also may make these drugs ineffective over a period of time. The best time to take these antiviral drugs is within 2 days of infection, but the main obstacle is that by the time you know you are infected of swine flu, it may be too late.

Then, what to do to protect ourselves from swine flu infection, which kind of swine flu treatments is effective?

The simple answer is, follow the 8 rules:

(1) Boost the power of your immune system by eating healthy & nutritious foods, avoid meat products and eat green vegetables.
(2) Garlic & Onions along with beet roots, sweet potatoes, beans, whole grains, nuts and bell-papers are good for boosting the immune system, especially onions are having substances that serves as detoxifying agents.
(3) Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, even if you have no symptoms.
(4) If you think you need to exercise more caution (in case of medical professionals working in affected area/ their family members) use gloves and a mask (disposable).
(5) Taking sun bath for vitamin D is good for your body.
(6) Swine flu vaccine, however, available may be administered on oneself for protection, but it’s a question for how long and how effectively does it offer protection against swine flu
(7) Take a plenty of vitamin C rich diet everyday
(8) And last, but not the least is, Don’t Panic, Swine Flu is not that deadly in this modern era of hi-tech drugs and medical treatments.