H1N1 Influenza Symptoms - Apply These Indicators For Diagnosing the Flu

H1N1 Influenza symptoms involve a fever, runny nose, slight cough, sore throat, physical aches, headaches, fatigue and some chills. Other folks may perhaps also experience diarrhea, upset stomach or vomiting.



A lot more extreme indicators are centered around respiratory illnesses and symptoms without the feeling of fever. Like other viruses, deaths have been contributed to this kind of virus.



For those that experience extreme signs or symptoms, anti-viral drug treatments might be subscribed by your health care provider.



Natural Self Treatment



Fill your body with lots of rest, fluids and light foods. Other than anti-viral medications, you will find no other treatments that may enhance the recovery time. Building up immunities prior to a viral attack will present your entire body the resources to recover quicker or lessen the signs and symptoms in half the time.



Infection Rate



Those that carry the virus can infection others from day 1 to day 7. It's best to stay away from others when recovering from the H1N1 virus. As with most viruses, an individual can still feel the signs and symptoms after seven days, yet the ability to transmit the virus is greatly reduced.



It is vital to get to a physician within the first 24 to 48 hours. It is during this time that anti-viral medicines are the most efficient. Most of the time a fast infusion of fluids and medicine can give the entire body the edge it needs to make it through a serious reaction to influenza. It doesn't take lengthy amount of time for the body to respond to medicines. In rare instances a man or woman may perhaps be hospitalized for a few days for respiratory difficulties associated to influenza.



Even though the indicators of a flu or influenza occur for several weeks following first contact with the virus, it doesn't mean the person is able to infect other people. It does take time for the system to recover fully and return to its original healthy state. Swelling, cough, a tried feeling may occur for weeks. If signs persist, it is important to see a medical doctor to check for other complications.



Keeping a strong immunity against infection is very important to a quick recovery. The stronger the immune system, the better off a person will be when they come in contact with a virus, bacteria or cold. An ounce of prevention goes a long way.

Swine Flu, The Common Cold, and Influenza - How Can You Tell the Difference?

As we rapidly find our way approaching fall and winter, seasonal influenza and colds are bound to start manifesting themselves quickly. In its latest Swine Flu update, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said twenty one states are already reporting widespread flu activity.



Physicians state they're afraid the two flu strains (H1N1 Swine Flu and seasonal flu) could merge together creating additional complications to an already frightened society. If you then add in the common cold, which is the most common virus this time of the year, there is a chance that immune systems can be compromised by a one two punch.



How can people figure out if the sniffles and runny nose they are having are something that they should be worried about? Infectious disease experts explain that the public should to be cognizant of the symptoms. Dr. Shmuel Shoham, an infectious-disease medical specialist at Washington Hospital Center, states the cold, seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu are each respiratory diseases, but they are induced by dissimilar viruses.



Symptoms of the common cold are consistent with most people and may cause the patient to be quite miserable for three to five days. A person will commonly suffer from a stuffy nose, congestion, aches and pains, and in some instances a cough will develop.



As reported by the CDC they state that seasonal flu and H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms are fever, severe aches and pains, dry coughing, diarrhea and fatigue or lethargy. It can be almost impossible without and examination or test to differentiate the seasonal form of flu from the H1N1 Swine Flu that is currently being studied.



"People should acknowledge once they start to feel bad. Whenever they begin to have respiratory troubles, or are dehydrated because of illness, they need go to see their doctor. It could be Swine Flu or seasonal flu," says Shoham. "A few people with influenza could become very ill and may end up in the hospital if it has not been attended to."



Most at Risk



The population at the largest risk for catching H1N1 Swine Flu include adolescents and young adults up to twenty five years, pregnant women, and people with prolonged health conditions similar to asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease. The CDC has advocated that these groups as well as health care workers are first on the vaccination list.



The seasonal flu vaccination is particularly crucial for anyone that has a chance for serious flu complications, reported by the CDC, including adolescents, anyone with a weak immune system, women who are planning a pregnancy during the influenza season, people that are fifty years or older, and health care professionals like nurses and doctors.



Prevention is the Best Medicine



Other than flu shots there are additional ways to remain healthy and have a high chance of resisting these illnesses. Physicians will tell you to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or a hand sanitizer and keep your fingers away from your face. If you need to sneeze you should sneeze into your elbow so that you don't spread your germs to your hands or everyone and everything else in the immediate area.



Whenever you become sick and have severe symptoms you should call your health care practitioner. Your family doctor may recommend antiviral drugs that will address the flu. Antiviral drugs are prescriptions (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that battle the flu by keeping the virus from multiplying throughout your system giving your immune system a better chance to fight off the infection.



Most importantly, stay away from other people. If you have the flu, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you remain home for at the very least 24 hours after your fever is gone. This is the best way to keep other people from contracting the seasonal or H1N1 Swine Flu virus



Keep your immune system strong and healthy. The best way to do this is by eating a healthy selection of foods including many fruits and vegetables. Get a lot of sleep or rest and remain active as well. Some of the best vitamins to begin taking are Vitamin D, Vitamin C. Add these to your daily nutritional plan to begin building your immune system now. Don't wait for and outbreak, start today!

Natural Flu Remedies to Help You Fight the Influenza Virus

Influenza is a medical name for Flu. The flu is extremely infectious and causes acute respiratory infection that usually takes place in the winter season. The flu can infect anybody from any age group, but children are affected more by this disease. It also infects people suffering from chronic disease and people whose immune system is not proper.



It's essential to boost your immune system in order to treat the condition quickly and get rid of the infection. Natural flu remedies can prevent the infections.



Flu viruses are of different types and there consequences and symptoms are also different. Among the other flu types Swine flu is the worst. Swine flu is more harmful to those who are already under medical treatment for chronic disease, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, heart, kidney and lung. In such cases the physicians recommend their patients to get the annual seasonal flu vaccine shot.



For fast flu relief you can also depend on natural flu remedies. There are various flu remedies that are used to treat flu symptoms, while the body fights the flu virus. Also it's very important to call a doctor when you have a flu symptom. If you are not sure of flu symptoms then the best indicators of the flu are body ache and fever over 102 degrees.



The immune system works nicely when in the warm environment. You may have noticed that cold and flu affects us the most during the winter season. So, you must keep yourself covered to avoid cold or flu. Basically, flu is the result of various strains of influenza virus.



Herbs



There are various types of herbs which can be used as a power cocktail to boost the immune system. The herbs work as natural flu remedies. Some of the popular natural flu remedies recommended by the different practitioners are:



1. Echinacea:



Snake Oil is the Native American snake root. You can get this herb from the travelling salesman in the Wild West. But still people need to realize the full potential of this herb. This herb has the goodness of anti-viral as well as the anti-bacterial property. This is an excellent tonic for the respiratory diseases and it also helps in increasing the production of the white blood cells.



2. Propolis:



Propolis has more properties as compared to Snake Oil. It is an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antibiotic as well as an anti inflammatory. Propolis helps in curing the respiratory problems, sore throat and cough. From various sources the bees Propolis is produce.



3. Garlic



Garlic contains the goodness of allicin which contains immune system boosters. It is also an antibacterial herb. It helps the immune system to fight the infection. Garlic mixed with Echinacea makes a strong fighting force against infections.



4. Ginger:



It is also an antiviral herb. A dozen antiviral compounds are present in it. Ginger is used basically as a pain reliever, antiseptic and antioxidant. It helps in treating cold, sore throat and inflammation of mucus membrane. It reduces the fever and the pain from body ache also has a sedative effect to relax the body.



5. Increase water intake:



Water is required in your body to flush the toxins from the body. You should at least drink 3 litres of water every day.



Along with natural flu remedies, intake of vitamin C and essential minerals like copper, zinc and magnesium are all vital to support the body's natural immune system. They help our body to fight the infection. Proper diet and adequate rest helps us in gaining an improved and healthy life style.



By following these steps you will be able to prevent yourself as well as your loved ones from catching the deadly flu. These are the treatments that have been used by our parents, grand parents, great grand parents and on and on. Today we have access to doctor formulated natural flu remedies that will help us from contracting the flu as well as help fight and heal us if we catch the flu. This formula is re-created each year to fight the current strain of influenza.

Facts about Stomach Flu, Common Cold and Influenza Disease

The influenza disease is an illness which affects the upper respiratory system. Influenza signs and symptoms can vary, but are often similar to the common cold, except that relatively high fevers are almost always present in cases of the flu, but rarely in adults who have a cold. Although most people recover quickly from the flu, there is a risk of developing complications in some people.



The influenza disease is caused by infection with an influenza virus. The symptoms of the common cold can be caused by any of nearly 200 different viruses, including the rhinovirus, corona virus or influenza virus. The stomach flu is caused by an infection with the norovirus. Although the names are similar and people often refer to either condition as "the flu", influenza signs and symptoms (other than headache and fever) are quite different from those associated with the stomach flu. What is referred to as "cold and flu season" is not actually caused by changes in the weather, but by an increase in indoor activities and close contact among large groups of children and adults in school settings.



If you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, then you have probably been infected with a norovirus. Stomach flu is sometimes referred to as gastroenteritis or food poisoning, because the symptoms are the same. Stomach flu symptoms appear suddenly and usually last less than three days. Influenza signs and symptoms can last for as long as ten days, usually beginning with fever, body aches and chills and ending with cold-like symptoms (runny or stuffy nose, dry cough, sore throat, etc.) usually noticed after the other symptoms improve.



Influenza disease, stomach flu and the common cold are all contagious diseases. The viruses can be transmitted from one person to another by close contact, touching contaminated surfaces or eating contaminated food. The ways to avoid these viruses include avoiding close contact with those who are obviously sick, washing hands after touching public surfaces and keeping the hands away from the mouth, nose and eyes. Antibiotics cannot kill any of these infections, as they are all viral infections. A visit to the doctor is usually unnecessary, unless fever is unusually high or prolonged or symptoms of bacterial infection or other complications occur. A cough that produces mucus may indicate bronchitis or pneumonia. Pain in the ears can indicate an ear infection. Severe headache, facial pain and pain in the teeth can indicate a sinus infection.



Those people who are at high risk for developing complications from influenza disease should call their doctor within 48 hours of developing symptoms, as anti-viral medications are sometimes prescribed to shorten the duration and severity of influenza signs and symptoms in these people, as well as to reduce the chances of spreading the virus among these groups. Those people who are at high risk include people older than 50, nursing home and long-term care residents, people with heart problems, lung disease, diabetes, kidney problems, sickle cell disease and children who are on an aspirin therapy regimen and anyone who suffers from an impaired immune system, including those who are taking immuno-suppressive drugs. Women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy also have an increased risk of developing complications from the virus.



Scientific research has shown that some vitamins, minerals, herbs and other natural products can be used to shorten the duration and severity of influenza signs and symptoms. These can also be taken safely as a regular health supplement to reduce the likelihood of developing influenza disease and other viral infections.

Facts About Influenza (Flu) and Flu Vaccine - Special Considerations for the HIV Positive Person

When encouraging patients to receive the flu vaccine every
fall, I always find it amazing that so many people have
misconceptions about the flu and the flu shot. If I were to
ask a group of patients what the flu is, I would get many
different answers, including descriptions of symptoms of a
viral gastrointestinal syndrome (nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea), a sinus infection, the common cold, or of true
influenza (flu) infection.



Influenza (referred to as flu in this article) is a serious
and extremely contagious viral respiratory illness.
Complications of the flu can lead to hospitalization and
death. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
Every year in the United States, 5% - 20% of the population
gets the flu, approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized
from flu complications, and approximately 36,000 people die
from the flu.



The symptoms of the flu include fever (usually >102F),
headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, runny or
stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea are uncommon with the flu. Although some flu
symptoms resemble those of the common cold, flu symptoms
have a much more abrupt onset and are more severe than those
of a cold. Possible complications of the flu include
bacterial or viral pneumonia, sinus infections, ear
infections, dehydration, and worsening of other medical
conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or chronic lung
disease. These complications can prolong the illness and may
lead to hospitalization.



The flu virus spreads from person to person through coughing
or sneezing. You may get infected by touching something
(such as a doorknob or telephone) that has flu virus on it
and then touching your mouth or nose. The best way to
prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year
between October and December. The flu shot can be offered to
all healthy people who want to decrease their risk of
getting the flu. Certain people are at high risk for flu
complications and should be strongly encouraged to receive
the vaccine. These groups are: children (6 months-5 years
old), pregnant women, people over age 50, people with
chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma,
emphysema, HIV infection, aids, heart disease), and people
living in long term care facilities such as nursing homes
and prisons. In addition, all healthcare workers and
household contacts of people in the high risk groups, as
well as household contacts of infants less than 6 months of
age, should be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus
to those people.



Let's clear up another very common misconception: The flu
shot does not give you the flu, and does not make you sick!
I can't even count the number of times that patients have
told me that they received the shot and got the flu. The
vaccine consists of killed influenza virus (killed virus is
not capable of causing illness), which causes the body to
respond by developing antibodies to protect against the flu.
It is this response that causes common side effects of the
vaccine, such as a slight fever, chills, headache, and
fatigue, for the first 24 hours after the vaccine is given.
Remember, this is not the flu.



Some people should not be vaccinated; they include: people
with a severe allergy to eggs, people who have had a severe
reaction to the flu shot in the past, children less than 6
months of age, and people with a history of Guillain-Barre
syndrome (a paralyzing neuromuscular disorder). If you have
a moderate or severe illness with a fever, you should wait
until those symptoms resolve before getting vaccinated.



If you are HIV positive, most healthcare providers will
recommend that you receive the flu vaccine each year.
Although there has been some debate and controversy over
this issue, it is generally thought that vaccination offers
significant benefits to the HIV positive person, including
the prevention of serious complications of the flu such as
bacterial pneumonia and activation of HIV replication
(leading to an increase in HIV viral load and a decrease in
the CD4 cell count). In addition, the flu may resemble
symptoms of an HIV or AIDS related opportunistic infection;
thus, avoiding the flu will avoid an unnecessary workup. The
vaccine itself is well tolerated by most people, including
those who are HIV infected. There may be a very slight and
temporary rise in the HIV viral load, but this will quickly
resolve after vaccination. Studies have shown that the
body's ability to respond to any vaccine and to build up
protective antibodies may be decreased when the CD4 cell
count is below 2oo, but it is still recommended to vaccinate
these people, as there may still be some protective
benefit.



You may hear about the Nasal-Spray Flu Vaccine, and think
that this would be a great alternative to getting another
injection. Sorry, but if you are HIV positive you cannot
receive this vaccine. The nasal spray vaccine is a live
vaccine, which contains weakened live virus (instead of
killed virus in the injection), and is capable of producing
severe illness in anyone with a weakened immune system. If
you are HIV positive, you should never receive any live
vaccines for this reason.



In conclusion, the flu vaccine is the best protection
against getting the flu. However, you may still get other
viral respiratory illnesses or even a strain of the flu that
was not included in the flu shot. Besides vaccination, the
next best defense against viral illness is frequent and
thorough hand-washing and the use of antibacterial hand gels
which can be carried in your pocket, purse, or car. This
will help to prevent you from transferring virus you come
into contact with to your mouth and nose.

Influenza Flu Virus - Real World Symptoms and Advice

Influenza which is a contagious virus is unique in its make up considering that it changes every year which is the reason why last year's influenza vaccine will not protect you from the current strain. Thankfully, the majority of individuals will recover from the flu within a week or so. Considerably more debilitating than a simple cold however, influenza symptoms will develop over 1 to 2 days and are frequently much more severe than the common cold virus.



Frequent symptoms of the influenza virus include;



1. Exhaustion



2. Dry cough



3. Headache



4. Aching joints and muscles



5. Sudden high fever



6. Sore throat



Many people also suffer from fatigue during and after suffering from influenza which is perfectly normal part of the recovery process. Although for the majority of us the flu is a mild illness, it is far more serious for the elderly or those with a weak immune systems considering these individuals will be far more likely to require hospital treatment. In a large proportion of countries around the world the current year's flu vaccine is available for these vulnerable people which in most circumstances are provided if you are aged over 65, suffer with diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease or have a compromised immune system. Even if you do not fall into any of these groups you may still be able to obtain the current year's flu vaccine privately.



Influenza symptoms take effect relatively quickly making the sufferer exhausted and wanting to rest usually in bed. Make sure you have plenty of fluids and take paracetamol tablets regularly to help reduce any fever.

Using Lemon To Treat Diabetes, Cancer, Obesity, High Blood Pressure, Influenza, Anemia, Osteoporosis

Lemon, which PH value is around 2.5, has sour taste that helps to ease tiredness and promotes body absorption of minerals. Apart from Vitamin C, lemon has calcium, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin P, and natural dietary fiber. In fact, lemon can be used to treat diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, influenza, anemia, and osteoporosis.



Diabetes



The number of diabetic patient has increased recently. For those above 40 years old, there is one diabetic patient in every 10 patients. About 95% of the diabetic patients are of type 2 diabetes. Apart from genetic factor, dietary and exercise habits are closely related.



Lemon has Vitamin C and antioxidant that help to strengthen blood vessels via collagen formation and lessen the tendency of rising blood glucose level due to stress.



Cancer



Lemon has substance that can help to suppress cancerous cell growth. Usually, the development of cancerous cell is often caused by presence of substance that acts as an initiator and Vitamin C is known to suppress this type of initiator. Taking in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and B-Carotene concurrently will give very promising result in fighting cancer.



Other precautions to take note in the attempt of preventing cancer are taking plenty of vegetables and balanced diet, avoiding preserved food or food with high salt and fat content, and cutting down alcohol intake.



Obesity



Collagen accounts to about 30% of body protein. Vitamin C is one of the building blocks of collagen. Thus, lemon helps muscles to be firmer and this is needed to burn off more calories via higher metabolism rate. When glucose is turned to energy, it gives out lactic acid as by-product. Lactic acid is one of the substances that causes tiredness. Lemon can disintegrate lactic acid and help to recuperate body from tiredness and make it ready for more exercise.



High blood pressure



If left untreated, high blood pressure will create complications such as stroke and atherosclerosis. Lemon is known to suppress blood pressure, strengthen blood vessels, and prevent high blood pressure as well as atherosclerosis. Even for those that having existing high blood pressure concern, lemon can be used to manage blood pressure. Apart from Vitamin C, Potassium content in lemon helps to suppress blood pressure from going up.



Anemia



Patients with anemia are often associated with tiredness, broken nails, asthma, loss of appetite, and dizziness. Lemon promotes the absorption of iron to make good quality blood and improves blood circulation, which are needed for patient with anemia.



Influenza



More than 90% of the flu incidents are caused by virus via air entering from our nose and mouth. Influenza virus likes cold, dry places. The reason why we get flu is mostly from catching cold in cold places, then the condition worsens when we stay in dry places as virus enters our body via nose and mouth. Thus, to prevent flu, we should keep our body warm.



Lemon is particularly useful in treating early phase of influenza. Vitamin C in lemon is part of the building blocks for collagen that is needed to strengthen blood vessel and mucosa. In every 100 gram of lemon, there is about 90 milligram of Vitamin C as compared to 35 milligram from every 100 gram of orange. The antibacterial effect of lemon can destroy core structure of virus and kill it.



Osteoporosis



Bones grow with age and reach maximum mass at the age of 20 to 30, which will then start to descend. Female hormone helps to energize Vitamin D that helps in calcium absorption, thus prevents bones from being fragile. After menopause, the amount of female hormone reduced and bone mass will reduce rapidly. Vitamin C helps to build collagen that is needed in forming strong and flexible bones. The absorption of calcium is easier with the presence of Vitamin C. One important note to remember, the calcium absorption from food can only be used by bones with sufficient exercise. Without exercise, calcium will be passed out from body via urine and sweat.

Why is the flu so dangerous for diabetics?

The flu is more dangerous for diabetics than for others. Why is it so? Any kind of disease raises blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. In fact, a disease can prevent a diabetic to eat properly, which further affects blood glucose levels. Diabetes affects the immune system by causing people to become more vulnerable to severe cases of flu (Centers for Disease Control (CDC).) Diabetics who contract the flu usually get very sick, very sick, compared to other people that swine flu. In many cases, diabetics with the flu will end up in hospital.



People with diabetes can help keep it safe from the flu by getting an annual flu shot, provided they are not allergic to it, as many people are. The influence is definitely not good for everyone. Many people complain of getting sick after taking the flu vaccine. However, for the most part, is very good in preventing the flu. It is recommended that everyone with diabetes, women who are pregnant should get an annual flu shot, and the best time to get one is in October or mid-November before the start of flu season (CDC).



According to the CDC, if one has diabetes, a flu shot can be the difference between life and death. In addition to flu vaccine, diabetics should get pneumococcal vaccine also with Toxoide vaccine of tetanus/diphtheria (Td). All measures should remain safe from infections.



There are some important steps you can take to avoid sick people. Regularly wash your hands is a very good practice to stop the spread of flu and other infections. You should avoid contact with sick people. The flu, for example, is thought to spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing or contact with infected people. If one feels under the weather, the CDC recommends that one should stay home from work or school to limit contact with others to keep them from getting sick too.



Regardless of the circumstances, diabetics should continue taking their medications (pills or insulin), although they may not eat while sick with the flu. Health care providers may sometimes advise patients to take more insulin during the illness, depending on the situation, (CDC).



Very strict supervision should be used by diabetics when you experience any form of disease. Here are some basic steps to follow in case of illness: check your blood glucose levels every hour-all results should be recorded and monitored; drink extra fluids (no calories) and try to eat normally; If you eat normally, it is not possible, eat soft food and liquids containing the same amount of carbohydrates you consume normally. weigh yourself every day-lose weight without effort could be a sign of high blood sugar; and check your body temperature every morning and every evening-onset of fever may be a sign of infection, (CDC).



One should call you or your health care provider or go to the emergency room if any of the following: feeling too ill to eat normally unable to keep down food for more than 6 hours; episodes of severe diarrhea; lose 5 kg or more; body temperature is over 101 degrees F; blood glucose is below 60 mg/dL or remains over 300 mg/dL; experience moderate or large amounts of ketones in the urine; feeling of drowsiness or unable to think clearly. and having trouble breathing, (CDC).



Diabetics need to be very careful when it comes to influenza, because diabetes affects the immune system of diabetics. Therefore, flu prevention is the best medicine. Although the flu vaccine does not agree with all, is still the most effective remedy against flu. Thus, all efforts should get a flu shot every year.



Please visit the CDC for more information about diabetes and the flu.