Swine flu outbreak

11th June declared as first flu pendemics in 41 year by WHO.It is now spread to almost all the countries where the travelling frequencies are higher internationally. In india till now it took 20 lives so far and count is on with total number of those afflicted by the disease countrywide to 1,203 according to recent news.While Pune remained the worst-hit area by the disease with 61 new cases being reported from the city, Gujarat's 10 new cases took the number of those infected to 27 in the state.

What is influenza-A(H1N1)?

Influenza A (H1N1), earlier know as swine flu, is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. First detected in Mexico in April, 2009, it has spread to many countries. Swine flu is basically a misnomer. This was originally referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to those found in pigs in North America. Further on, it has been found that this new virus has gene segments from the swine, avian and human flu virus genes. The scientists calls this a 'quadruple reassortanf" virus and hence this new (novel) virus is christened "influenza-A (H1N1) virus."


Are the rising swine flu casualties giving you jitters? Not sure how you can avoid falling prey to the growing epidemic?First and foremost, you dont need to panic atall.
I would like to discuss alternate way to fight with swine flue which is of use for both affected individuals as well as healthy individuals as precation.

Instead of stocking up the tamiflue and many more medicines and making pharmacompanies more rich one can do is improve you body power ie immunity.It will give you better, easy, long lasting and econnomical idea.

Here are some of home remedies you can follow as single one or in combination, If H1N1 is confirmed then physician advise and quarantine is must.


1. Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of therapeutic properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way of strengthening your immunity.

2. Giloi (medicinal name Tinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in many areas. Take a one-foot long branch of giloi, add five to six leaves of Tulsi and boil in water for 15-20 minutes or long enough to allow the water to extract its properties. Add black pepper and sendha (salt used during religious fasts), rock or black salt, or Misri (crystalised sugar like lumps to make it sweet) according to taste. Let it cool a bit and drink this kadha (concoction) while still warm. It will work wonders for your immunity. If giloi plant is not available, get processed giloi powder from Hamdard or others, and concoct a similar drink once a day.

3. A small piece of camphor (kapoor) approximately the size of a tablet should be taken once or twice a month. It can be swallowed with water by adults while children can take it along with mashed potatoes or banana because they will find it difficult to have it without any aides. Please remember camphor is not to be taken everyday, but only once each season, or once a month.

4. Those who can take garlic, must have two pods of raw garlic first thing in the morning. To be swallowed daily with lukewarm water. Garlic too strengthens immunity like the earlier measures mentioned.

5. Those not allergic to milk, must take a glass of hot or lukewarm milk every night with a small measure of haldi (turmeric).

6. Aloe vera (gwarpatha) too is a commonly available plant. Its thick and long, cactus-like leaves have an odourless gel. A teaspoon gel taken with water daily can work wonders for not only your skin and joint pains, but also boost immunity.


7. Do Pranayam daily (preferably under guidance if you are already not initiated into it) and go for morning jog/walk regularly to keep your throat and lungs in good condition and body in fine fettle. Even in small measures, it will work wonders for your body’s resistance against all such diseases which attack the nose, throat and lungs, besides keeping you fit.

8. Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another three to four months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly available nowadays.

9.Fenugreek (methi)seeds is also having good medicinal property, one can take 15-20 seeds in the morning empty stomach.


10. Last but not the least, wash your hands frequently every day with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds; especially before meals, or each time after touching a surface that you suspect could be contaminated with flu virus such as a door handle or a knob/handle, especially if you have returned from a public place or used public transport. Alcohol-based hand cleaners should be kept handy at all times and used until you can get soap and warm water.

these are the some of traditional methods to deal with swine flue with some informatiom from news paper TOI.