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What is Flu or Influenza?
Influenza is the clinical condition that results from infection with influenza
viruses. The main effects of the influenza viruses are on the upper respiratory tract, the nose
and throat, with possible spread and involvement of the lungs and bronchi. The disease is highly contagious and it has potential to cause wide spread epidemics affecting
sizeable portion of a population at any time. Although it is more common during winter it may
strike at any time. It affects people of all ages.
Signs & Symptoms of Flu or Influenza
Influenza strikes suddenly. It usually begins with chills, fever, headache, and severe muscular pains. The patient feels miserable and weak. There is an inflammation in the nose and throat, which may spread down the windpipe to the lungs, resulting in a sore throat, cough, and running of the nose and eyes In milder cases, the temperature rises to 39degree C or 102degree F, and in severe cases, it may go up to 40degree C or 104degree F. The consequent weakness and fatigue may continue for several weeks. This may be followed by a
deep chest cough due to irritation in the windpipe.
Following are the symptoms of Flu: Types of Flu or Influenza
Flu, also referred to as Influenza, is an infectious disease that infects the upper airways and lungs in mammals. Flu is caused by an RNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family (the influenza viruses) and the most common symptoms are fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, cough, weakness, and fatigue. Flu and Cold in Children Flu and cold usually accompany each other when attacking a child’s immune system. It is a wide spread viral infection and the harsh truth is that there is no permanent treatment designed for it because of the involvement of many types of viruses which cannot be killed, but yes their growth rate can be suppressed. Symptomatic treatments can trigger the rate of improvement in the child’s health, but it might not work for all kids. The child can get affected by the flu and cold virus when he is exposed to an infected person. The symptoms are mild headache, feeling of tiredness, stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, light fever, sneezing, cough, muscle aches, and sore throat. It takes two to five days for the symptoms to appear and three to five days for the complete development of the virus. It takes nearly two weeks to completely get rid of the condition. The virus attacks the upper respiratory system. These are the symptoms of cold. The symptoms of influenza are more terrible than cold and grow very rapidly. They are high fever, runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, chills, fatigue and nausea, vomiting, eye pain and extreme headache. Symptoms are extremely important when trying to differentiate between flu and a cold. As stated before, the symptoms of flu are more severe when compared to the symptoms of cold. Also, it is easier to get over cold than flu. The biggest clue will be recalling any incident of exposure to patients having either influenza or cold. Even after thorough analysis, if it is difficult to reach any clear conclusion, a doctor should be consulted. A swab is taken from the nasal track or throat and the results are determined an hour after the test is taken. No antibiotics work on these viruses. Intake of antibiotics cannot better the condition in any way whatsoever. Also, there are chances of secondary bacterial infections like sinus or ear infection. The child should be administered with fluids and a cool mist humidifier to suppress the symptoms and to help him feel better. Medications are available over the counter which can be bought depending on the symptoms of the infected. Antiviral medicines are available for the treatment of the condition, which hasten the recovery process. But the medicines are effective only when given within forty eight hours after the onset of flu symptoms.
Runny nose, especially of infants and kids who cannot blow their nose, can be taken care of with the help of a bulb syringe or nasal drop. If flu isn’t treated at the right time, it can worsen the health of the infected and can also lead to pneumonia. Flu is a very commonly spreading infection among school going kids. According to a research, nearly twenty percent of Americans are infected with flu every year and nearly twenty thousand people die because of it. The only way to prevent the child from contracting these virus is by getting him/her a flu shot before the flu season or as recommended by the physician. The vaccine is either administered through a shot or nasal spray. Regular dosage will strengthen the immune system by constructing antibodies. The nasal spray vaccine contains live weakened viruses and shots contain completely dead viruses. By any chance, if the child does get exposed to the virus, he/she should be given medicine meant for flu patients, immediately. More than hundred viruses are known which cause cold. A lesser number of viruses are known to causes flu. That is the reason why there is a shot for flu and not cold. But flu shot cannot be taken by anyone or everyone. People who complain of allergic reactions from previous flu shots, people who have the Guillain-Barre syndrome and people allergic to eggs are not eligible for flu shots. It is highly recommended to take advice from a physician before getting vaccinated. Children and elderly should be given nasal spray vaccination, but instead they should opt for flu shots. Out of total population, there are certain people who have a greater probability of getting flu. Children up to five years of age, elders older than sixty five years, nursing home residents, pregnant women, patients with long term problems regarding health, and health care workers who come directly in contact with flu patients. Stomach Flu in Children Stomach flu or gastroenteritis is a kind of infection in the digestive system, especially the stomach and intestines. Causes for this condition are parasite, bacteria, or virus infection spread through contaminated food and fluids. It can also be caused by certain toxins present in some plants & seafood, usage of powerful laxatives in order to cure constipation or because of intake of poisonous heavy metal or food. The problem starts with stomach upset and cramps. The child shows disinterest in eating and feels week. Symptoms of stomach flu are diarrhea and vomiting, which take nearly five days to go away. Sometimes, even fever can accompany along with dehydration. The child must be given fluids regularly as this will suppress other symptoms from emerging because of loss of water from the body. Loss of water and salt from the body is the biggest risk in stomach flu. Dehydration can not only worsen the condition, but can threaten the life of the child, if it isn’t taken care of in the early stages. Since there is loss of salts along with the loss of water from the body, plain water won’t do much. Oral rehydration solutions which are available at the local grocery or drug store, is a good idea because it has the correct combination of salts, sugar and water which can hydrate the body. These fluids come in different flavor, so that kids can have their favorite flavor and is easy to consume. The solution shouldn’t be added with anything else such as sugar or water. If a child is vomiting, solution can be administered to him using a teaspoon every two minutes. The quantity can be increased gradually. If the vomiting is more frequent, the child can be made to suck ice chips in order to supply constant fluid to the body. The solution should be given till diarrhea comes to a halt, but it is not advisable to continue it for more than twenty four hours. Some of the fluids such as soft drinks, sports drink, apple juice, tea, or chicken broth contain wrong amounts of salt, sugar & water and can make matter worse. Besides fluids, the parent shouldn’t give any type of medicine without consulting a pediatrician. Fried, spicy and sugary foods aren’t good in this condition. If the child isn’t receiving sufficient amount of fluids he/she will show signs such as sunken eyes, dry mouth, intense thirst, unusual sleep patterns, and decrease in urine. The more the bed rest taken by the child the better it is. The child should take complete bed rest for at least twenty four hours or till the diarrhea and vomiting stops. If the child has fever, the temperature should be checked and noted in a log, every four hours. If the temperature is very high and doesn’t stop climbing, the doctor should be contacted immediately. The person who is preparing and serving food to the child should wash his or her hands very carefully before doing so. Also, if the diarrhea and vomiting doesn’t stop after twenty four hours, it is a must to get a doctor’s appointment. The child should be rushed into emergency if the vomiting contains blood or green color substance. The doctor, after doing stool and blood test, prescribes antibiotics if infection is suspected. Along with it, anti nausea medicines are also given to stop the throwing up and control fluid loss. If there is considerable loss of fluids from the child’s body, the child might be admitted into the hospital and will be administered with fluids such as glucose or IV, through a tube connected to the child’s veins. If the child has fever, temperature is checked and the doctor would ask about information about the temperature pattern, for which the parent should be ready. If the illness is stretched for days, a log about the information about the daily weight should also be given to the doctor. Sometimes, the blood oxygen levels would also have to be checked with the help of a pulse oximeter.
What Causes Flu or Influenza?
Influenza is what is known as germ disease. It is, however, not caused primarily by the action of
the germs as is generally believed, but develops due to a toxic and run-down condition of the
system of the affected person. This condition is brought about by dietetic errors and a faulty style
of living such as worry, over work, lack of proper exercise , living in stuffy rooms and keeping
late hours. No disease germs can find lodgment and become active in the system of a person
who is perfectly healthy in the true sense of the term. Influenza is passed on with ease from one
affected person to an other especially to those who are also in an equally low vital stage. That is
how an epidemic starts. Viral infection and unhealthy life style Risk Factors:
Flu is contagious and if you're around someone who coughs or sneezes, or simply touch any object already touched by someone contaminated with flu, you're bound to contract the infection. Flu symptoms are easy to detect though they may appear few days later. Flu spreads at the slightest contact and before you feel the symptoms on yourself, you might have passed it to others. Symptoms include - body aches, chills, dry cough, fever, headache, sore throat and stuffy nose. Origin of Influenza Influenza, the term, came into use around 1504, though it had
little to do with the virus. It came from the word: influence.
At the time, influence meant: "the ethereal power of the stars
acting on men." It was basically a supernatural way of
explaining the effects of disease on people at the time. During
a particularly nasty outbreak of the flu in Europe during 1743,
the term was officially attached to the name of the disease. 96
years later, the term was shortened to just: flu. The flu, itself, is a whole family of viruses called
Orthomyxovirids. They are a diverse family that are commonly
found in the guts of birds. The specific type of viruses that
infect birds, are called type A flu. It was one of these type
A's that was believed to have infected people a long time ago.
Thus giving us, the flu for the first time. Though the virus
that initially infected man, has long since evolved into a
variety of human specific strains, the initially origin appears
to lay squarely among birds. As such, all human flu bugs could,
technically, be called: avian flu. Pathogens and specificity Pathogens are viewed as being any living organism that is
capable of causing a disease. It is a term that is generally
reserved for bacteria, fungi and viruses. Pathogens are usually
very specific in who, or what, they infect. This has a lot to do
with the way in which they are constructed. Both bacterial and viral outer structure, consist of a receptor
binding proteins. These proteins give the pathogen a certain
geometry. This geometry allows the pathogen to attach to
complementary receptor sites on the cells of the critter that
they are trying to infect. Because of the wide variety of life
forms on the planet, each cell type has a different arrangement
of receptors. Most of the time, the pathogen's geometry will not
fit these receptors, and the critter remains immune. Only those
unlucky few species, whose cell receptors do fit, are the ones
that have to suffer the infection. Occasionally, though, a new pathogen comes along that has a
geometry that is general enough to allow it to latch onto many
different species. These are the pathogens that are often the
more deadly. Thus making influenza a very
cosmopolitan virus family. This still doesn't explain all the
worry about this recent outbreak of avian flu though. For that,
one must go back in time to 1918, and the Spanish flu. It was the close of World War I, and the world appeared to be
returning back to a more peaceful state. Then, in various parts
of the globe, people started coming down with a particularly
virulent form of the flu. This was a unique case though.
Instead of the very young, and elderly dying, it was affecting
young men and women instead. Usually these are the most immune
to the effects of the flu. By the end of 1918, this form of the
flu had killed ~50 million people. It was the largest pandemic
(worldwide epidemic) in recorded history. So what happened? Normally when one gets the flu, it is more of a hassle than
anything else. This has a lot to do with the fact that the flu
types we normally catch, are viruses that have infected us
before. They have changed just enough so that they can infect
us again, but they still remain recognizable to our immune
system. As such, our bodies can keep the virus in check, and
then eventually eliminate it. The 1918 flu, though, was
different. It is now largely believed to have been a case where
a new flu virus had hopped species. It went from birds to
humans, possibly after circulating and hybridizing inside pigs
(which can catch both bird and human versions of the flu). This
new bug was completely alien to our immune systems and thus,
took many completely by surprise. This is what has many scared about this newest avian flu virus
(dubbed: H5N1, for the specific proteins found on it). It has
proven to be particularly virulent among birds, and the few
cases of it infecting people have many worried that another
pandemic is on the rise. Prevention: To prevent the flu bug, keep in mind the following – - Get a flu shot / vaccine. Since flu spreads at the slightest of contact, one should stay at home till fully recovered. It is best to rest in the bed as you will feel sick and tired to do anything else. If you are doing work despite being sick, you're prone to more complications. Liquids are important as you can get the much needed nutrients when you don’t feel like eating and it also keeps you from being dehydrated. Drink lots of liquids like water, soups, veg or non veg and other fluids like fruit juices. Beet and carrot juice, both are rich in nutrients. Fruit juice mixed with water in equal quantity and dash of sugar provides the necessary glucose. By humidifying your room there will be less discomfort of a cough, sore throat or dry nasal passages. If you’re blowing your nose continuously, it will be sore and red. Lubricate your nostrils with petroleum jelly products to decrease the irritation. For tired achy muscles, ease away the pain with a warm compress. Soak your feet in hot water to alleviate any headache or nasal congestion. Ensure that your room has plenty of fresh air supply all the times. Prevent chills by wearing warm, close fitting clothes. Ask someone to give you a back rub as it activates the immune system to fight the flu. During flu, one should eat lightly. Snack on fruits, cereals, boiled food, etc. If a sore or scratchy throat accompanies the flu infection, get relief by gargling with salt water solution. It will wash out any secretions collected in your throat.
Take a warm tbsp of honey mixed with lemon at night to get quick relief. Warm water mixed with lemon and honey is good to loosen phlegm. Gargle daily with 1 drop of each of tea tree oil and lemon mixed in glass of warm water. Stir well and do not swallow. Add 10-20 drops of either tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon or lavender oil to your hot water bath. This helps your immune system fight the viral infect and ease your symptoms. Take 1 tbsp of lukewarm honey mixed with 1/4 tsp of cinnamon powder daily for 3-4 days. It strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Juices of apple, pear, cranberry, pomegranate and dark grapes are often recommended for combating flu as they have properties that work against congestion and runny nose.
How To Avoid Getting The Flu Without Flu Vaccine: by Frank Barnhill, M.D. What can you do to avoid getting the flu and even the common cold
if you don't want to take flu vaccine or if it's not available? Many of us are searching for ways to answer this question as we
experience a severe shortage of flu vaccine. I've been asked
dozens of times in the last week why we can't just manufacture
more flu vaccine over the next two or three weeks. Unfortunately,
that's not possible, as the flu virus must be incubated in egg
cultures for many weeks before virus proteins can be extracted,
treated and processed to make vaccine. Since making more vaccine isn't as simple as putting "cake mix in
the microwave", let's take a look at a few ways to prevent or
lessen your exposure to the flu as well as common cold germs and
just possibly keep you from spreading virus particles yourself. In an earlier article we discussed use of a nasal inhaled flu
vaccine, "FluMist", to immunize those between ages 5 and 49
years. Some doctors are reportedly charging as much as $50 a dose
for "FluMist" as the supply gets tighter and tighter. Also, there
isn't enough to really adequately immunize everyone. Another
drawback is the apparent age restriction that keeps it from being
used in the age groups that need it the most, those under age 4
and over age 50. If nasal vaccine is not an option and you don't want to take flu
vaccine or it's not available, then we must look to other methods
to stay well during the upcoming flu season: 1. Wash your hands at least 7-8 times per day and after shaking
hands or touching the face of another person. Person to person
contact is the second most common way disease is spread. 2. Wash your hands in warm soapy water before and after touching
your eyes, mouth or nose. Do this consistently every single
time to lessen spread of germs! 3. Ask persons with a cough or sneeze to cover their nose and
mouth with tissue or a handkerchief since fine mist and water
droplets full of virus are coughed into the air for a distance
of 2 to 10 feet. These droplets stay suspended in the air for
up to 5 minutes after a cough or sneeze. Using their hand to
catch it" will not stop spread of most droplets, and of
course, you really shouldn't shake their hand afterwards. 4. Aerosol (sneezing and coughing) and body fluid dispersal is
the most common way the flu is spread. So, avoid kissing,
eating or drinking after others and don't touch another
person's sputum or vomit unless you thoroughly wash your hands
afterwards . Do not share glasses, eating utensils, straws,
plates, toothbrushes or washcloths. Others may have the virus,
but not show symptoms of infection. Certainly, you should not
copy cat the television candy commercial and share false
teeth. 5. Be sure that all used handkerchiefs and washcloths go in the
washing machine and tissues go into the trashcan. Once tissues
are disposed, do not touch them again as viruses can live a
very long time in tissue paper. 6. Ask your daycare, school, and work place to provide spray or
wipe disinfectant to use on telephones, hard toys, counter
tops, doorknobs, commode flush handles and seats, and other
hard disease adherent surfaces (called fomites) several times
a day . Virus particles can survive for hours on such
surfaces and if you touch them and then touch your eyes, nose
or mouth, then, well you get the idea. 7. If you can't wash your hands because you're away from water,
then carry antibacterial hand gel and use it often. Caution!
You must leave most hand gels on your skin for minimum thirty
seconds before wiping off. Otherwise, they don't work well! If
you don't have these gels available, rubbing alcohol is an
option. These chemicals are not to be used on the face, in the
mouth, ears, nose or eyes. 8. Avoid exposure to excessive cold and heat, as abrupt changes
in temperature seem to render the linings of your nose,
throat, and lungs more susceptible to invasion by germs. Wear
clothing appropriate for the weather. Overdressing for cold
can be just as damaging as undressing. 9. Eat healthy, exercise, drink plenty of fluids and take your
antioxidant vitamins. Food and water provide the fuel that
your body uses to fight off infections. Exercise, Vitamin C
and antioxidants are thought to improve your body's resistance
and immune system to germs in general. 10. Get at least 7 hours sleep a night. Your body's metabolism
works best with adequate rest. Sleep and rest also helps
increase your immune systems ability to fight infections. 11. Last but not least, avoid persons who are sick if possible
and if you're that person, stay home instead of giving the
infection to everyone at work, school, daycare and church.
Make your workplace the ideal healthy place to work! 12. Ok, I know, I said 11 was the last, but not least. So, here's
the least: consider wearing a surgical mask when you have a
cough or sneeze. Some oriental cultures do so out of respect
for others! I hope all of these uncommon tips will help you and your loved
ones stay well during this upcoming flu season. Please share this
with your family, friends and those with whom you work so we can
help everyone have a great healthy winter. You have my permission
to reprint and distribute this educational article as long as it
is copied in its entirety.
Treatment/Therapy: Flu Vaccines are recommended against influenza. However, its effectiveness varies with many criteria. Patients suffering from flu are advised to get plenty of rest, drink liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Medications such as acetaminophen relieve fever and muscle aches associated with flu. Children with flu symptoms are advised to avoid aspirin as aspirin in the presence of influenza infection can lead to Reye syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease of the liver. Flu Myths Being cold or chilled does not make us more susceptible to the
flu. Severe chills are one of the symptoms of the flu, which
makes people believe that they somehow "caught a chill" that led
to the illness. Using medicine to keep the fever down does not help us get over
the illness. In fact, studies show that more of the virus is
excreted over a longer period of time when the body temperature
is lowered with medication. You may feel better with such
medication, but it does not necessarily help you get over the
virus. The "24 hour flu" (characterized by the sudden onset of vomiting
and diarrhea, and a feeling of malaise) is not a form of the flu
and it is not caused by the influenza virus. It is caused by an
infection of the gastro-intestinal tract and is called
gastroenteritis. There is no evidence to show that physical activity prolongs the
duration or severity of the flu; or that inactivity will cure you
faster either. In fact, moderate exercise can boost the immune
system and help to relieve nasal and sinus congestion. However,
it makes sense to not overdo exercise when you are feeling less
than par, or when you are running a fever. If you are
contemplating exercising while fighting off the flu, it is
important, above all, to listen to your body, and to do only as
much as it seems to tolerate well. For most of us, getting a flu shot is not a life-or-death matter.
If you're leading a healthy life and you get sick with the flu,
you're probably going to get through it. Last year, 4 million
doses of vaccine went unused, even though an alarming early
strain of influenza emerged and gained attention because several
children died from it. Millions of people, who never got vaccinated before are hounding
their doctors, and complaining bitterly about the shortage. What
is behind this feverish behavior? Researchers say it is not so
much the flu itself as a sense of feeling unprotected. The vaccine shortage came to light on Oct. 5th when regulators
shut Chiron Corp.'s labs in Liverpool, England, cutting the
expected U.S. supply by nearly half. However, the existing supply
is roughly equal to the nation's entire supply in 2000. In 1918 influenza killed 40 million people worldwide. But, unlike
1918, now there are at least four anti-viral medications that can
relieve the flu's worst effects if taken within 48 hours of the
onset of symptoms. Many providers are rationing the vaccine for their neediest
patients. For the rest of us, their advice is simple: Wash your
hands frequently, stay away from someone who does have the flu,
and if you do get sick, stay home so you don't infect others. If you do come down with the flu, don't be blasé - the sooner you
seek medical advice and/or treatment the better, and you can
avoid the worst of the flu's symptoms.
When First Symptoms Appear 1. Vitamins - Immediately take plenty of vitamin C. You can take about a total of 3000 mg a day in small doses - say 200 mg at a time, which would mean 15 tablets a day. Zinc is also a good immune enhancer. From 20 to 40 mg of Zinc can be taken daily until the cold subsides. It is better to take both of these in tablet form so that you can suck on them and dissolve them in the mouth. In this way, the active power of these two substances can be absorbed by the cells of the mouth and throat area and thus strengthening the power of the cells to protect themselves. 2. Immediately cleanse the nostrils and gargle with salt. If the cold continues after the first day, then discontinue the washing of the nostrils but continue 3 or more times a day gargling with salt or lemon water. 3. Avoid eating solid food, especially cheese, milk and all dairy products, as well as white flour, white sugar and any products made from them. They form excess mucus, which increases the symptoms of the cold. 5. If you feel very hungry and must eat, then the best food would be a raw salad or a hot, spicy soup. A very effective soup is onion soup made from onions, garlic, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and other spices. (Not if you have ulcers.) 6. For those who are familiar with stomach cleansing with slightly salty water, this is very effective for removing accumulated mucus from the body. (Not if you have an ulcer). 7. An enema is also effective in helping the body purify itself of accumulated toxins. 8. Get plenty of rest and do plenty of deep relaxation. Also perform any exercises you feel up to doing. They will facilitate the renewal of the body’s vital energies and thus its ability to heal itself. 9. Keep your body warm and protected from drafts. 10. Shiatsu massage of the neck and head can be miraculously relieving and beneficial. (Reflexology can be used to free up the sinuses).
IF THE COLD CONTINUES 11. Continue with the vitamins taking up to 3000 mg of C. and up to 30 mg of Zinc per day until the symptoms disappear. If the cold lasts more than a week, then you might want to check with a doctor as to why your body is not healing itself. Other antioxidants such as vitamins E, A and Selenium and various enzymes such as Super Dioxide Dismutase call also be very useful. 12. Continue to avoid solid food as much as possible. Drink plenty of juices and broths. If you feel very hungry, eat raw salad or hot spicy soup. 13. Take occasional hot baths (covering yourself well afterwards). 14. Slow deep breathing will re-energize your body. Breathe as slowly as you can, letting as little air as possible pass through the nostrils. Gradually they will open up. 15. Do not continue with the cleaning of the nostrils, but do continue with frequent gargling. 16. Gentle exercises can open up the nostrils and also the flow of energy in the body. 17. Use deep relaxation to imagine the body’s defense system healthy and powerful and invincible. 18. Be happy and relaxed.
Cold body packs Diet change strategies:
Influenza Diet
Using Ayurveda Therapy: Influenza , like all other acute diseases, is a natural attempt at self-cleansing and if rightly
treated in a natural way, immense good can ensue so far as the future health of the patient is
concerned. In the acute stage of influenza, a patient should abstain from all solid foods and only
drink fruit and vegetable juices diluted with water, 50 - 50 for first three to five days, depending
on the severity of the disease. The juice fast should be continued till the temperature comes
down to normal. The warm water enema should be taken daily during this period to cleanse the
bowels. After fever subsides the patient may adopt an all-fruit diet for two or three days. In this regimen,
the patient should take three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits such as apples, pears, grapes,
oranges, pineapple, peaches and melons at five-hourly intervals. Thereafter, the patient may adopt a well-balanced diet of three
basic food groups namely, (i) seeds, nuts and grains, (ii) vegetables, and (iii) fruits. Certain remedies have been found highly beneficial in the treatment of influenza. The most
important of these is the use of long pepper. Half a teaspoonful of the powder of the long pepper
with two teaspoonfuls of honey and half a teaspoonful of juice of ginger should be taken thrice a
day. Another excellent remedy for influenza is the green leaves of basil or tulsi plant. About one gram
of these leaves should be boiled along with some ginger n half a litre of water till about half the
water is left. This decoction should be taken as tea. It gives immediate relief. Garlic and turmeric are other effective food medicines for influenza. Garlic is useful as a general
antiseptic and should be given as much as the patient can bear. Garlic juice may also be sucked
up the nose. A teaspoonful of turmeric powder should be mixed in a cup of warm milk and taken
three times in the day. It will prevent complications arising from influenza and also activate the
liver which becomes sluggish during the attack.
Vitamin & Nutrient Associations Even when we try to eat well, we're disadvantaged. The nutritional content of most food has been compromised over the years, not only by deficient soils and modern production, transportation, storage and processing methods, but also by the enormous amounts of chemical and artificial substances added to promote growth, storage life, taste and appearance. It's for this reason that more and more medical authorities are advocating the use of vitamin and mineral supplements. However, finding them in the right combination can be both confusing and costly. As Aloe Vera Juice is a refreshing and anti-bacterial drink, you might find that taking this daily, diluted in some filtered water will not only refresh you like ‘a shower inside you’ but also assists in dealing with any digestive issues you may also be experiencing. You may find benefit from our information on detoxification as well as a bit about detoxing because of change of diet We wish you well in your search for solutions to this Flu or Influenza problem and your movement towards better health in all areas. More Resources available about Flu or Influenza : What is the common cold and cough? A cold usually lasts from three to ten days. The patient feels miserable for the first three days or so. The first signs of a cold are a feeling of soreness of the throat and congestion of the nasal passage. Although the disease normally begins in the nose and throat, it affects all parts of the body. Its usual symptoms are a running nose, sneezing, a rise in temperature, headache, sore throat, chill, aches and pains in the body and loss of appetite. The skin around the nostrils may become sore.
What is Pneumonia? The disease becomes more serious if both the lungs are affected. It is called double pneumonia in common
parlance. Most cases of pneumonia begin with a cold in the head or throat. The patient generally feels
chill, shivering, difficulty in breathing and sharp pain in the chest. This may be followed by a
cough with pinkish sputum which may later become brownish. The patient usually suffers from fever and headache. In more serious cases of pneumonia, the sputum may be of rusty colour. In your children, the disease may cause delirium and convulsions. Most patients feel very miserable and sweat profusely. The temperature may rise to 105 o F and pulse may go up to 150 beats per minutes. A common complication of all kinds of pneumonia is pleurisy.
Sharon Hopkins also writes and manages sites related to http://aromatherapies.net
Dr. Frank www.drhuggiebear.com
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