Eric Kampel asked:


Swine influenza – Swine influenza or swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by the type A H1N1 swine influenza virus (SIV). Humans in close proximity to swine could contract swine influenza if the swine are carrying the rare strain of the SIV that is capable of affecting humans.

Symptoms – Swine flu symptoms in humans are generally similar to regular flu (influenza) symptoms and include muscle pain, runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, lack of appetite, fever, chills, and general weakness and discomfort. Other reported symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Transmission – Swine flu spreads from pigs to humans when humans are close to infected pigs. People working in barns or visiting livestock exhibits housing infected pigs are likely to get affected. Transmission from humans to humans can occur when the infected individual coughs or sneezes when others are close by. Putting one’s hands to the nose or mouth after touching anything with the flu viruses on it could also spread the infection. Consuming well-cooked pork and pork products won’t cause infection as cooking to an internal temperature of 160°F kills bacteria and viruses, including the swine flu virus.

Treatment and medication – While swine flu can generally be cured by the four antiviral drugs approved for curing flu in the US, amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir, the recent 2009 swine flu outbreak viruses have been found to be resistant to the first two drugs. Oseltamivir and zanamivir are now recommended for treatment and prevention of swine influenza.

Prevention – Swine flu can be prevented by taking certain precautionary measures, such as washing hands frequently with soap or an alcohol-based hand wash. Staying away from infected individuals is important as their coughing or sneezing could spread the infection. If instances of infection are reported in your locality, stay indoors as far as possible. Swine flue vaccine could be out by June 2009.



Flu Remedy

Lucas Van Der Burg asked:


Apple cider vinegar has been used to treat various illnesses for centuries. If one can get past its bitter taste, one can find relief in its healing attributes. It has been known to aid in the treatment of arthritis, gout, acne, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue, and acid reflux.

One of its more common purposes is to stave off a cold or flu. It is said to help cure a sore throat, soothe a stubborn cough, and treat a sinus infection, the usual symptoms that accompany a cold or flu. Using an apple cider vinegar flu remedy is easy, natural, and safe for most individuals.

How it works

When you contract a cold, your body’s pH factor becomes slightly more alkaline. Apple cider vinegar, which is acidic, helps to rebalance the body’s acid level.

Sinus Infection

In the case of a sinus infection, the apple cider vinegar remedy slows down mucus production and most often eliminates watery eyes because it contains high amounts of potassium. It will rapidly thin the mucous, turning it from thick green or white to clear and runny. Apple cider vinegar contains many vitamins, nutrients and trace elements of copper, iron, silicon, magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium.

How to take it

There are several ways to integrate apple cider vinegar into your diet in order to benefit from its remedial effects. The degree of effectiveness of an apple cider vinegar flu remedy is not solely based on how you take it, but also on when you take it. Some use it as a daily tonic, while others ingest it at the very first sign of a cold or sinus infection.

Since the taste is bitter, it is often mixed with other liquids. You can dilute 1/8 to 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar into 16 ounces of water or juice, and sip the drink throughout the day.If you are the brave type, dilute 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into 8 ounces of water or juice and drink it all at once, 3 times per day.When added to apple juice, it tastes like cider and is much more pleasant to drink.It can also be stirred into a cup of tea.If drinking apple cider vinegar is out of the question, add it to various sauces, marinades, and/or dressings.

The recommended dosage for apple cider vinegar is up to 3 tablespoons daily. It is also available in capsule form at many health food and vitamin stores. Taking a capsule every day keeps your body’s pH level stable, rendering your immune system strong to fight off a cold or flu.

Other Remedial Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar Flu

To help relieve chest congestion due to a cold or flu, soak a piece of brown paper in apple cider vinegar and cover one side with black pepper. Strap the paper (pepper-side down) to the chest area and leave on for approximately 30 minutes.To calm a stubborn cough due to a cold or flu, sprinkle some apple cider vinegar onto the pillow before you sleep.To soothe a sore throat due to a cold or flu, mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and gargle every hour, making sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards in order to prevent the acid from eroding the enamel on your teeth.To relieve a sinus headache and stuffy nose, add 1/8 of a cup of apple cider vinegar to the water solution in the vaporizer.

Disclaimer: The use of an apple cider vinegar flu remedy is known to be quite effective and safe; however, it is imperative to consult a doctor regarding any medical issues you may have. Although the use of natural flu remedies and other alternative medicines is becoming increasingly popular, they are meant to complement traditional medicines; they are not a replacement for prescription drugs.



Flu Remedy

peterhutch asked:


Ginger is a calming and soothing flavour with a touch of a bite to it that helps to keep you alert and calm. Ginger is commonly used to help an upset stomach, motion or travel sickness or general low-grade fevers. It is also excellent for nausea and for warming you up when you feel cold. Ginger is reputed to help ward off colds or improve your recovery time.

Ginger is a popular addition to energy drinks with good reason. But you can get the energy and health benefits of ginger tea without purchasing these expensive and sugar laden drinks.

One of the main benefits of the herbal ginger remedy is its ability to stimulate the circulatory system. The herb also helps in bringing an increased flow of blood to the surface of the skin; this singular property makes the ginger a very important herbal remedy for the treatment of conditions such as chilblains and to treat impaired circulation along the hands and feet of patients. The herb also effectively helps in controlling elevated or high blood pressure as it directly affects the circulation of blood.

Following is a brief review of ginger’s health benefits and uses as understood today:

Nausea – it is often used to ease nausea during traveling or early pregnancy as well as that due to other causes. The anti-nausea and anti-vomiting qualities of ginger appear to surpass that of drug therapies (e.g., Dramamine) used for the same purpose.

Digestion – it has the ability to calm the stomach, promote the flow of bile, and improve the appetite.

Abdominal Cramps caused by flatulence – it can relieve this symptom, often quicker than any other herbal medicine.

Motion-Sickness…

The travel industry is using ginger more and more to combat nausea caused by motion-sickness. Drink a cup of ginger tea (see below) or injest 1/4 teaspoon of powdered or 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ginger before a car or boat trip, ideally every 15 minutes for an hour before you travel. Repeat during your travels at the first sign of motion-sickness.

Some studies have shown ginger to perform better than a placebo but not quite as effective as some prescribed medicications. However, ginger does not cause the common side effects of these medications: dry mouth and drowsiness.

Ginger has also been used in aromatherapy. An oil present in Ginger has a spicy, woody scent that aids in relaxation and stress release. When you make Ginger tea this oil infuses the tea with the aroma which in turn helps you relax and relieve stress as you sit back and enjoy your cup of tea.

Ginger tea has been used as a remedy against flu and colds for centuries, both in India and China, as well as other countries in the east. According to Chinese culture, its powerful yang energy is what warms the lungs and stomach. Ginger tea has been used in China for 2,500 years to treat sore throat, nasal congestion, and sinus pain.

Double-blind studies have found ginger to be effective in decreasing symptoms of motion sickness, particularly seasickness. More specifically, intake of ginger has been shown to decrease feelings of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and the production of cold sweats. One study even found ginger to be more effective than Dramamine, a drug that is often used to treat symptoms of motion sickness.



Flu Remedy

CDCStreamingHealth asked:

In this video, Dr. Joe Bresee, with CDC’s Influenza Division, describes the symptoms of swine flu and warning signs to look for that indicate the need for urgent medical attention. This video can also be viewed at www.cdc.gov

Flu Remedy

Evelyn Lim asked:


The mint is a herb that is commonly used in many personal care products as well as used as an ingredient in cooking. However, it also has many healing properties that make it an excellent herbal home remedy as well.

With thirty different varieties of mint, there can be a lot of herbal remedies that can be made out of them. Peppermint is the preferred mint herbal remedy in the western world. In China, it is the field mint. Garden mint, or spearmint, is another very popular mint herbal remedy which is more commonly used for children.

The aerial parts of the mint herb are the most commonly used parts to make herbal remedies. The mint is great for healing in cases of digestive disorders, colic and fatulence. In addition, mint is often used to treat motion sickness and nausea. If you are suffering from flu or fever, a mint herbal home remedy can be used to help promote sweating to break the illness. In Chinese herbal medicine, mint is also called bo he and is used to help relieve the symptoms of liver stagnation or other digestive complaints.

Mint is best used right after harvesting. You can also use the aerial parts to prepare an inhalation, tincture, compress, or an infusion, depending upon your needs. The easiest way to ingest mint as a herbal home remedy is in the form of teas.

An essential oil can also be prepared from mint. Peppermint oil is known for its analgesic, calming, and cooling affect on your body. This is a good remedy for treating and relieving headaches, migraines, treating fevers, and treating skin problems. This oil is considered antibacterial in nature as well, which is great for using on minor infections.

Inhaling peppermint oil can help relieve severe nasal congestion, but should not be used too often. It can irritate your mucous membranes if used frequently. Young children should not use peppermint oil and nursing mothers should stay away from peppermint oil, as it can decrease your milk flow.

You can also derive benefits from mint by just eating the herb. Mint is used for flavoring dishes in cooking. It is widely used as an ingredient for desserts such as in mint chocolates or ice cream.

The mint that I am most familiar with is the laksa leaves used in Asian cooking. It is also a commonly used ingredient in Vietnamese salads and soups. However, what is interesting to note though that this mint ingredient does not actually belong to the mint family although its general appearance and odor are similar.



Flu Remedy