Learn about Swine Flu and Natural Flu Remedies
Swine flu, also known as H1N1 has many people concerned this upcoming season. While fall 2010 doesn't have quite the same media hysteria that fall 2009 carried in regards to the swine flu, it is still a concern for many people. The flu may get you down in bed, but natural flu remedies will help you recover faster and avoid serious flu complications.
Cold vs. Flu: In many respects, it really doesn't matter if you have a cold or the flu. Natural Cold Remedies are very similar to natural flu remedies. However, if you really want to know the difference between a cold and flu...well it's actually quite simple. With a cold you can still function, while the flu makes you feel as though you were hit by a truck. To be a bit more specific, cold symptoms rarely involve a fever, or usually just a mild one. Colds almost always involve respiratory symptoms...runny nose, congestion, sore throat, etc. Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, congestion, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometimes coughing. Swine flu can also involve vomiting and diarrhea. However, temperature is still the most reliable way to tell cold vs. flu. A cold usually only involves a mild fever while the flu may involve a fever that is 100-102 and occasionally higher. A further way to tell the difference is that flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly, while cold symptoms are more gradual. Type A flu is the type of flu most often responsible for flu epidemics. It can infect both humans and animals. Swine flu is a Type A flu, as was Spanish Flu in 1918, Asian Flu in 1987, Hong Kong flu in 1968 and Bird Flu in 2004. The swine flu incubation period is around 2-7 days, while the seasonal flu incubation period is between 1-5 days. The average flu incubation period is around 2 days for both swine flu and the seasonal flu.
Flu Shot Side Effects: Many people are worried about both swine flu and the "regular" flu. You may be wondering if the flu shot is right for you. Before you decide to get the flu vaccine, thoroughly research this issue and learn about flu vaccine side effects. According to the CDC, Swine Flu Vaccine Side effects include fever, soreness, fainting, headaches, muscle aches, and nausea. Life-threatening allergic reactions are possible, and in 1976, the swine-flu vaccine was linked with Gullain-Barre Syndrome. Side effects from the seasonal influenza vaccine are similar, but can also include hoarseness and red/sore eyes and coughing. bcAlso, important to note..on the subject of flu shot side effects, an article published in the February 2005 issues of Archives of Internal Medicine concluded that: We attribute the decline in influenza-related mortality among people aged 65 to 74 years in the decade after the 1968 pandemic to the acquisition of immunity to the emerging A(H3N2) virus. We could not correlate increasing vaccination coverage after 1980 with declining mortality rates in any age group. Because fewer than 10% of all winter deaths were attributable to influenza in any season, we conclude that observational studies substantially overestimate vaccination benefit.ap Furthermore, if you remember back to 2009 when the Swine Flu scare came about..well studies showed that the administration of the seasonal influenza vaccines actually increased the risk of contracting H1N1 or Swine Flu. ap Natural flu remedies and natural swine flu remedies: Unlike what many people would have you believe, getting the flu is not the kiss of death...nor does it have to mean weeks of missed work, laid up in bed. There are many safe and effective natural flu remedies that will not only help you recover faster, but will help prevent serious secondary infections such as pneumonia. Try these natural flu remedies for both seasonal flu and swine flu and you will be up and at it again soon. In the meantime, while you are sick, please DO stay home in bed. Check out cough home remedies, natural cold remedies and sinus infection home remedies to treat those specific symptoms. Vitamin D is probably THE most important natural flu remedy. Studies show that Vitamin D is extremely effective at treating influenza. bc Vitamin D is absolutely essential for proper immune function and prevention of inflammation from an overworked immune system. If you do not live in a geographical area that allows for plenty of sunshine with lots of exposed (without sunscreen) skin all winter long, then Vitamin D supplements are essential to proper functioning of the immune system. Many experts recommend at least 4000 IU a day to prevent deficiency..and some people take up to 8000 IU a day.bc It is generally recommended to take more during an acute infection. Consider having a blood test done, and then supplement to keep your Vitamin D levels acceptable. Learn more about vitamin d deficiency symptoms. Bani-Flu protects against the flu while FluGo relieves flu symptoms. Both of these homeopathic remedies are great to have around. Get more info on BaniFlu - Homeopathic remedy temporarily protects against flu virus and germs and is safe for all ages and Get more info on FluGo - Homeopathic remedy temporarily relieves symptoms of the flu or cold including cough; runny nose; fever; sore throat and fatigue.Vitamin C is very important. Mega-doses can help you recover faster. Learn more about vitamin C foods and vitamin c supplements.Apple cider vinegar and honey are two very effective natural flu remedies. Mix apple cider vinegar and raw honey in water, and drink up. There are also many benefits of lemon juice when it comes to fighting the flu. Lemon juice can be used in lieu of apple cider vinegar when mixed with honey.Chew on a few cloves (up to 3-4 a day) for sore throat relief. 15Spice it up! Spices such as cayenne pepper, horseradish, turmeric, anise seeds, sage, lemon balm, and thyme tea, will clear your sinuses and help you breath easier. When it comes to the flu, there are also many health benefits of ginger, so add some ginger to your food or drink ginger tea. Click here, if you want learn more about turmeric benefits or the sage plant or health benefits of cayenne pepper.Zinc helps zap infections. Zinc is naturally found in eggs, meat, liver and seafood. If you decide to take a zinc supplement, consult your doctor about the appropriate dose. Garlic cures the flu. It really does! Honest! Garlic is nature's most powerful anti-microbial. Eat several cloves of raw garlic a day, or take several cloves worth of garlic supplements. I like to take 2-3 cloves of garlic 3 times a day when I'm fighting a viral infection. Onions are also very effective, so adding lots of raw onions to your food can be very beneficial. Elderberry or Sambucol is one of the most popular natural flu remedies, especially for swine flu. Studies conducted in both Norway and Israel showed that elderberry helps flu patients recover faster. 5 Learn more about elderberry benefits.Mix 3 teaspoons echinacea, 2 teaspoons ginger, 2 teaspoons licorice, 1 teaspoon astragalus and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. To make a cup of tea, mix one tablespoon of the blend in 1 cup of hot water. Let the water boil, then turn the heat down and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking.Olive Leaf Extract is naturally anti-microbial and helps fight the flu. Supplementing with Olive Leaf Extract can definitely help you kick the flu faster. Learn more about olive leaf health benefits. When it comes to fighting the flu, ginseng benefits you! Ginseng is an ancient Chinese herb which is excellent at preventing multiple colds.5 Probiotics boost your immune system and help you fight infections faster. Consume cultured lacto-fermented foods (such as ) probiotic yogurt, kefir or sauerkraut) on a daily basis. If you can't do that, a good probiotic supplement can be worth its weight in gold.5
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