Important Tips for Tackling the Swine Flu.

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What do the symptoms of swine flu look like?(From a Homeopathic Newsletter)http://homeopathyplus.com.au/hplus/flu-watch/straight-talk-on-swine-flu.htmlSwine flu symptoms are similar to those of previous flus. They include:

Weakness, Muscle and joint pain, High fever, Loss of appetite, Runny nose,Cough,Headache.

Some sufferers have also had symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

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For how long is a person contagious?

Adults are infectious during the flu’s incubation period and for 7 days

following the onset of symptoms; children may be infectious for up to

10 or more days. The incubation period for swine flu is not yet known

but is expected to be similar to that of other influenzas which is 1 –

4 days.

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What are the danger symptoms to watch for in children?

If your child has any of the following, please seek the advice of your healthcare professional:

Rapid breathing, Bluish skin,Lack of thirst with dry lips and mouth or sunken fontanelles (soft spots in the skull),Difficult to wake,Not wanting to respond or be held,Severe irritability,Fever with a rash,Worsening cough,Worsening of any underlying condition

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What are the danger symptoms to watch for in adults?

If you or another adult has any of the following, please seek the advice of your healthcare professional:

Dizziness or confusion,Shortness of breath or trouble breathing,Severe or persistent vomiting,Pressure or pain in abdomen or chest,Worsening of any underlying condition.

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How can I protect myself and my family from swine flu?

Swine flu spreads the same way as every other cold and flu does –

from the respiratory secretions of an already infected person.

Speaking, coughing, sneezing, and blowing the nose allows the virus to

escape into the environment where it then reinfects others through the

mucus membranes of their eyes, nose, or mouth. To reduce the risk of

infection:

Avoid close contact with people who might be ill,Minimise the time spent in crowded areas such as shops,Wash

your hands regularly with soap and water, or rub them with an

antibiotic hand cream or gel. (A few drops of teatree or lavender oil

added to your hand cream will have a strong antibiotic effect that is

far less toxic than many of the synthetic chemicals added to commercial

rubs.)Note that while masks may help to control the spread of flu, they are not particularly effective at protecting you from it. Masks become moist within 10 minutes of use making them ideal breeding grounds for the flu virus and other bacteria. Resist touching your eyes, mouth, and nose as these are the entry points by which the virus gets into your body,Improve the airflow in your living space by opening windows and doors;Practise healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically

active,Once

the 'genus epidemicus' remedies (the remedies that best match the

characteristic symptoms of the circulating flu) are known, use one of

them for their preventative effects.

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What should I do if I already have swine flu?

Stay at home so that you don't infect others,Rest and drink plenty of fluids,Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissues carefully,Cleanse your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing and sneezing, or use an antibacterial hand rub,Use a mask to contain the spread of droplets when you are around other people. It must be fitted correctly to be effective,Contact

your healthcare professional before travelling to a healthcare facility

in case they would like you to take extra precautions,Look to homeopathy for the treatment of your flu symptoms – it is safe, gentle, and rapid.

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What about antiviral medications – do they cause any problems?

Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) are two antiviral drugs

that help reduce seasonal flu symptoms if they are commenced within the

first two days of infection. It is not yet known if they are effective

against the swine flu. Unfortunately, Tamiflu and Relenza also have

serious side-effects..

Tamiflu has been linked to episodes of delirium, hallucinations, and

suicidal attempts in people, especially children. Its safety for

children under one year of age is unknown and boxes of Tamiflu now have

to carry a warning label.

Tamiflu should only be prescribed with special care, or not at all if the person:

is over 65 years of ageis allergic or sensitive to or has had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicineis on dialysisis seriously ill or are in an unstable medical conditionhas a weakened immune systemhas heart problemshas kidney problemshas breathing problemshas fructose

intolerance

Relenza is also associated with serious side-effects. It can cause

bronchospasm (sudden tightening of the airways). If the person suffers

from asthma or any other disease that affects their airways, they are

advised to use their inhalers before each dose of Relenza and to keep a

fast-acting bronchodilator with them for emergency use in case of

bronchospasm. Relenza’s safety for children under the age of 5 is not

fully known.

Relenza should be prescribed with special care, or not at all, if the patient:

is aged over 65 years of ageis a resident of a nursing homehas a weakened immune systemis allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients in the medicineis seriously ill or in an unstable medical conditionhas breathing problemshas asthmahas chronic obstructive pulmonary diseasehas galactose

intolerancehas glucose-galactose malabsorption problemshas Lapp lactase deficiency

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Can homeopathy offer anything to replace antiviral medications?

No matter which strain is the cause, Homeopathy has many remedies

that will either prevent or treat a wide range of flu symptoms when

prescribed according to symptom similarity.. While some of these

remedies are discussed in more detail toward the end of these questions

it is probably appropriate to draw attention to one particular remedy

now.

Oscillococcinum (Oscillo for short) is the brand name of a

potentised remedy, Anas barbariae. While it cannot strictly be strictly

called a homeopathic remedy, several studies have shown that it

relieves the symptoms of flu and shortens its life if prescribed within

the first 48 hours - and it does this without any of the side-effects

associated with antivirals such as Tamiflu and Relenza. Oscillo is now

the largest selling flu remedy each winter in France where it is

prescribed by homeopaths and doctors alike. There are a few points

about Oscillo to keep in mind though:

Oscillo is most effective if taken in the first 48 hours of symptom onset and less effective if taken after this time.Oscillo is most effective for those 30 years and younger but less effective for those older.Studies have shown that Oscillo does not have a preventative effect for the flu so it should not be used as a prophylactic.While

Oscillo can be helpful and is quite safe, it is still a clumsy

‘shot-gun’ approach. Any homeopathic remedy that closely matches the

symptoms of the sufferer will be effective, and sometimes more

effective, than Oscillo. Unlike Oscillo, they will also work at any age

or any stage. Also, the homeopathic remedies that best match the common

symptoms of a particular epidemic (the so-called "genus epidemicus"

remedies) will also produce a protective effect against that flu and so

will be the best ones to use for prophylaxis (protection).

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The coming flu vaccine – is there anything we should be aware of?

Manufacturers are already working on a vaccine for swine flu and hope

to have stocks available from October 2009. But flu vaccines have

always had a chequered history.

In 1976 during a swine flu scare not unlike this one, America rushed

a vaccine into production and commenced a massive campaign to vaccinate

people. Dozens of Americans died within 48 hours of receiving the

vaccine and hundreds more reported serious side effects including

paralysis. Two months later the vaccine had to be withdrawn from the

market.

Today, health authorities and vaccine watchdog groups are warning

the US administration that fast-tracking this current vaccine could

have the same disastrous consequences if not enough time is spent

testing its safety before its release.

There is also a question mark over the effectiveness of flu vaccines

for the over 70 age group. A study published in August 2008 by the

Lancet medical journal revealed there was no evidence to show that

seniors, who normally account for more than 75% of all flu deaths, were

protected by flu vaccines.

Another concern is the issue of mercury. It is a powerful neurotoxin

linked to autism, learning difficulties and behavioural problems in

children and many vaccines still contain it. While most mercury has now

been removed from the childhood vaccines, this has not been the the

case for many of the flu vaccines. Watchdog groups are concerned that

this new vaccine will also contain mercury that once again will be

injected into our developing infants and children.

Finally, there is no way of knowing for sure if the coming vaccine

will be effective against swine flu until it is released into the

market place. Should it be unsuccessful it will then take another six

months or more before a new vaccine can be prepared.

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How successful is homeopathy at managing flu symptoms?

Homeopathy

is well equipped to deal with the symptoms of swine flu, bird flu, or

any other flu for that matter. Each winter it is used around the world

by homeopaths and those familiar with homeopathy to do just that.

Accounts and records on how it performed during the 1918 pandemic that

killed millions can be found at this link .

To get the best from homeopathy you must know how to use it. The following pointers will help you on your way.

The common symptoms of swine flu include weakness, high fever, loss of

appetite, runny nose, cough, headache, muscle and joint pains, but this

information is not enough to choose the homeopathic remedy that will

help - much more detail is needed.

For example, with the headache alone it is

important to know if it is: left or right sided; throbbing, crushing,

or piercing; better for sitting or lying; worsened by light or noise;

or accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Additional information such as

this helps us to understand each person’s unique experience of the flu

and pinpoint the particular remedy that that is suited to them - the

one that best matches those unique symptoms.

Should you find it difficult to sort through your own symptoms, ABC Homeopathy has an online remedy finder that can help. Remedies are also available for purchase through our online shop .

Once you have chosen your remedy you can find out how often you should take a dose by reading this .

Armed with the above information, let’s now look at ten of the more frequently prescribed remedies for flu.

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Ten homoeopathic remedies used in the treatment or prevention of flu - what are they?

1. Aconite Napellus (Acon.)

Aconite is a remedy most often needed during the very first stage of flu. Symptoms come on quickly, often alarmingly, and the person is unusually restless and anxious. Symptoms may start after exposure to dry, cold wind. Shivering and cold waves can pass through the body with the fever. The face may be flushed with constricted pupils.

2. Anas barbariae (Anas-b.)

This

remedy, frequently sold under the brand name of Oscillococcinum, is

prepared from the livers of migrating geese that are often carriers for

flu viruses. While not a traditional homeopathic remedy, research has

shown that it is helpful in the first 24 to 48 hours for younger age

groups but less helpful after this time, or for older people. Research

has also shown that it is not an effective prophylactic (preventative).

Anas-b is a good choice when a better matching remedy cannot be found.

3. Arsenicum Album (Ars)

The symptoms of an Arsenicum flu consist of marked restlessness and anxiety, hot face and cold body. The restlessness can lead to exhaustion and collapse. Vomiting and diarrhoea may also be present, withing chills and rigor follow the fever. The patient will be thirsty for small sips of water and want constant company. They may fear they will die.

4. Belladonna (Bell.)

A Belladonna type of flu usually starts suddenly, often frighteningly. The face will be hot, the skin red, the eyes glazed, and the pupils possibly dilated. The patient may complain of a throbbing headache and feel worse for motion and jarring, or for being bumped. The fever can be worryingly high but with little or no thirst. Hands and feet are icy cold even though the body is hot. There may also be delirium with the fever. All senses are over-sensitive so the patient feels worse for light, being touched, and noise. Symptoms often worsen at 3pm.

5. Bryonia Alba (Bry.)

Bryonia flus are gradual rather than sudden in onset and progress slowly. The patient is irritable, does not want to answer, and prefers to be left alone. All symptoms, such as severely aching muscles or joints, are worse for movement and better for rest and being still. The patient will be very thirsty for large amounts of water at long intervals.

They also have dry skin, a coated tongue, cracked lips, or a left-sided

headache. During the delirium of the fever, they may particularly ask

to go home even though already there.

6. Eupatorium Perfoliatum (Eup-per.)

Influenza with a very high fever and severe aching in the muscles and the bones. The patient feels as if their bones are breaking or broken. They will be chilly, sometimes with rigors (shaking) and may desire cold drinks even

though they will be chilled by them. They can be thirsty just before

the chill and have a severe headache as the fever peaks. Symptoms often

worsen between 7 to 9am.

7. Gelsemium (Gels.)

Gelsemium is one of the most commonly needed flu remedies. Symptoms develop gradually. The patient feels heavy, weak, lethargic, and dull. The weakness is accompanied by trembling.

Limbs ache and shivers may run up and down the spine.

They usually have a heavy headache that starts in the back of the head

and radiates to the forehead. The headache may be relieved by passing

urine. Eyelids will droop and there will be weakness and heaviness of the head and limbs.

8. Nux vomica (Nux-v.)

The person needing Nux vomica for their flu will be sensitive, irritable, and snappy. They will be extremely sensitive to draughts and the cold - even the slightest motion of air as they move under the bed-covers will create a chill and rigors (shaking).

They will be easily irritated and bothered by light and noise. Insomnia

can be a problem and symptoms are worse in the morning.

9. Pyrogenium (Pyrog.)

Flus with rapidly changing high fevers. Marked restlessness during the fever. The patient will complain of an aching body and that the bed feels too hard. They can have a high pulse with a low temperature or a high temperature with a low pulse.

10. Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus-t.)

The Rhus-t flu consist of restlessness and aching limbs in which the patient must move almost constantly to ease pain, even when trying to sleep. The joints can feel stiff. The flu may be triggered by, or worsened by cold and damp.

The fever is often preceded by a prolonged chilly stage and can be

accompanied by fever blisters or cold sores on or around the lips.

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How can I find other remedies that match my flu symptoms?

Homeopathy

has many more remedies that are used for flu prevention and treatment,

depending on the unique symptoms of the particular flu and sufferer. To

find other remedies may be of use for you, visit ABC Homeopathy where you can enter your symptoms into an online remedy finder.

Once you have chosen your remedy you can also find out how often you should take a dose by reading this .

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Medicine.

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