Swine Flu Symptoms

Swine Flu - Prevention Facts

2009-11-25T08:55:00.000-06:00

How does swine flu compare to the threat of a car accident? Do you feel vulnerable to random accidents and illness? If so, it's a good indicator you are not trusting yourself to design -- and follow through with a life of your own choosing.

Bottom line: You can only rely on yourself. Do you keep your commitments? When you decide to do something - do you do it? If you don't - you build up the fear things are out of control.

Choosing to be alert and strengthen your immune system is the only "prevention" you can rely on.

Everyone wants to be "healthy," don't they?
Yet few do much to ensure good health. If you are not feeling strong and energetic now, you are not doing what it takes to maintain your health, are you?

Once you commit to a healthy lifestyle - that you believe is possible - then following through is easy. Mindful decisions day-to-day keep you healthy. Fear does not.

With the threat of a serious flu this season - now is a good time to get started. The "threat and fear" alone make matters worse - but only for those who buy into it. The strength to "opt out" is equal to your willingness to commit to a healthy mind-set, and follow through.

Virus Protection Formula: Desire + Commitment + Action = Health.

Tools to build a healthy body-mind and strong immune system.

1.) Attitude Adjustment: Tap in or Visualize Optimum Health

Healthy hormones and drugs.
Make health your dominant intention. Build a strong image of health that you can see and believe. Use the free manual and learn the energy tapping on meridians. Commit to it and follow through. Build Healthy resource self-images now - before you need them...imprint your subconscious with health and vitality. Your self-images release the hormones and drugs needed to boost your immune system - and they are non-toxic and free!

Resource Memories
Images of vitality, strength and stamina exist in your past. If you have to go back to childhood - that's a wake-up call. Keeping yourself healthy is an inside-do-it-yourself job. Long lapses of inactivity and sloppy eating habits take their toll. You may not notice how far you have slipped into lethargy until a flu bug bites you and you are slow to recover. Don't wait.

2) Stress Relief: Taking time for health and yourself.

If you are not enjoying every day - and resting and relaxing, then you are not valuing you. If work, duty and habits of responsibility come first - you are valuing a fantasy future and living a lifestyle you can't enjoy. Putting off living now for a hopeful future is a common fallacy and one you can do without.

Tomorrow never comes
You will never be in the future. There is NO TOMORROW. You are here today: NOW. It's the only place you will ever be. EVER. If you give up today for tomorrow - you are giving up your life for a fantasy and a lie.

Live in the Now, plan for the future and hold to a Vision you love and live NOW - enjoying your NOW.

"The presence of the disease presupposes the existence of unresolved emotional issues, whether the patient is consciously aware of them or not." Eric Robins, MD

3.) Fear: A self-fulfilling prophesy

Your only defense against deadly diseases is a strong healthy body-mind connection. If you don't take care of you - you don't trust yourself. Nor can you trust others. That's the beginning of fear. And you are doing it.

You get what you fear and if you fear a virus you are open to it. You are creating the conditions for dis-ease to thrive. Fear limits your thinking to fight or flight. It is a natural limbic brain response - and leaves you without access to your resources and healthy choices. You can literally make yourself sick with poor choices and stress.

Stop the Fear: a real cure.
Fear generating stories and media expose' hot topics are not going away. Fear sells papers and products including medicines, masks, shots and whatever else a good marketer can think up. It's a windfall to a slow economy and enough fear will create many sale opportunities. That's biz as usual. The only question is: Why are you listening to it?

"Some day the medical profession will wake up and realize that unresolved emotional issues are the main cause of 85% of all illnesses. When they do, EFT will be one of their primary healing tools.... as it is for me." Eric Robins, MD

Release the emotional charge (and fear) of illness or loss with a variety of new energy techniques like PSTEC, EFT and tapping. Many introductions are free, and they only take an hour or so to learn and master - a small time investment to free yourself from the fear of a deadly illness!

There is only one solution to FEAR: don't do it. Stop it cold. If there are facts to consider - then do it from a calm, centered reasoning mindful state. If you feel anxious - take a walk or long hot bath. Tap into your fears and tap them out of your body-mind. Constant adrenaline compromises your immune system. That's a perfect example of fear making itself real. Don't join in.

4.) Self Immunization: Build a healthy routine.

Envision a healthy life-style and live it. The key is in what you believe. 20% of cancer patients heal with no treatment. Between 20 and 50% of those taking a placebo (inactive drug) heal as if they had taken the medication.

How does it work? The patient is given the "test drug" along with the instructions and protocol. Following the routine, they believe they are healing themselves with medication. AND THEY DO.

Now consider this: For every 100 people given a placebo swine flu shot, between 20% and 50% would be immune, right? The truth is: There IS NO SWINE FLU shot. The promoted immunization is for a similar type of disease.

Attitude is everything - only you can do that for you.

Design a routine YOU BELIEVE IN. Rest and relaxation are requirements...as is diet and exercise. If you find yourself reluctant to get started on a healthy program - one you design yourself - then use the tools in EFT and Tapping to break yourself free of the old inertia. Begin where you are and build to where you want to be: step by step.

Quick Good Fortune: "Now is the time to implement a long cherished dream. Move quickly on a plan of action."

Cheryl Janecky is the expert on attracting Good Fortune - Quick and Easy. Get the facts and FREE "21 Insights" and FREE PSTEC and Tap manuals at http://www.quick-good-fortune.com/EFT-Emotional-Freedom-Technique-Tap.html.

Cats Can Now Get Swine Flu Too

2009-11-14T07:17:00.001-06:00

Apparently, the first house cat on record in the United States to have swine flu was discovered by a vet in Iowa. Does this mean you should be careful around cats during flu season? Most veterinarians do not believe so, and they believe that this cat got the flu as it was too close to humans, that had the swine flu. It had slept with them, and was in an enclosed environment inside their home.

Nevertheless, it should now be noted that cats are amongst the other species that can get N1H1 virus, and pet owners need to be cognizant of this fact. There have no doubt been other cases where cats have had swine flu which they have gotten from their human owners, but it took the veterinarian five days to figure it out. This particular cat also once had the bird flu.

Luckily, the cat did survive, along with its owners, but this helps us understand how deadly and dangerous, the swine flu can be and how easily it spreads. If you are sick with the swine flu and you have cats at home, you should respect them. Although our pets give us comfort and they love us, and they care for us, we must return the favor by isolating them away from us if we have contracted the N1H1 virus.

If you think your cat has the flu, you need to give it lots of liquids to drink, preferably warm liquids. Whereas, you may not be able to contract the N1H1 virus if your cat catches it very easily (some vets say), we now know that a cat can get it from being too close to humans. Perhaps, you should please consider all this.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes in precautions during flu season. Note: All of Lance Winslow's articles are written by him, not by Automated Software, any Computer Program, or Artificially Intelligent Software. None of his articles are outsourced, PLR Content or written by ghost writers.

Will Swine Flu Mutate Into Something More Deadly?

2009-11-06T05:42:00.000-06:00

100 million lives were lost in the h1n1 flu pandemic of 1918. So are we heading for another pandemic? This question is troubling the minds of many experts in the health industry. At this point it appears that this flu is somewhat mild as opposed to what some thought. The symptoms of the h1n1 flu are comparable to that of the seasonal flu. But the question that's on the minds of many is: will swine flu mutate into something worse? So many people today are worrying about this flu. Especially if they have little children at home.

I know the information surrounding h1n1 flu can be very troubling. We can definitely take a lesson from history. I suggest taking a look at the resource below. This resource gives you some very valuable information about this flu and will help protect you and your family from a possible future pandemic.

The h1n1 flu is currently affecting the following groups the most severely: pregnant women, young adults, children, people with severe health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, neurological problems and immunity suppression. The h1n1 flu does not seem to be affecting the elderly as much. The reason could be that they have developed an immunity to the virus from years ago. Whereas the regular seasonal flu can be very harmful to the elderly.

So as we ask ourselves questions today like: will swine flu mutate, is it deadly, will it get worse? These questions could prove out to be even more of hot button topics as the cold season progresses.

Daniel R. is concerned that swine flu may spread and mutate. I suggest checking out this resource. It offers some extremely valuable information about the history and possible pandemic of swine flu. http://www.survivingpandemicflu.com.

Check out this blog for further reading: Will Swine Flu Mutate

How Do You Tell If Your Child Has Swine Flu?

2009-10-26T15:48:00.000-05:00

With swine flu once again resurging in Mexico, and bearing in mind the large number of cases being reported worldwide, it is reasonable to become acquainted with the symptoms and treatment actions necessary in the case of your children catching this infection, as the chances of coming into contact with this contagious disease are becoming higher by the day.

HOW CATCHY IS IT?

Swine flu is very contagious, and can be caught by inhaling micro-droplets breathed out by an infected person, or by touching them, shaking hands for example, or coming into contact with body fluids such as saliva. The problem is that our bodies do not have natural antibodies against this strain of flu because it is a new strain. Usually, once a person is suspected by a doctor of having swine flu, they are kept at home for 10 days to prevent them infecting more people. Often family members living in the same home are also requested to stay at home if possible.

SO WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms are, unfortunately, very similar to normal flu:

1. Fever

2. Headache

3. Aches in the body

4. Runny Nose.

5. Cough

6. Sore throat

And some a little less usual:

7. Vomiting / diarrhea

8. Chills

When the infection becomes severe, further symptoms are:

-> pneumonia, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, a blue or gray skin color, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, extreme tiredness or non responsiveness.

WHAT MUST YOU DO?

As soon as the child has shown these symptoms for more that 24 hours, take them to the doctor and explain that you suspect swine flu. He will do some tests and send these off for analysis. This analysis takes awhile, up to 10 days in some countries, so the doctor will treat your child in the meantime, as swine flu is too dangerous to leave untreated. He will put your child on an antibiotic and other medicine to help her cope with the effects of the flu, and in a lot of cases, this will heal the swine flu and they will recover normally.

Young children and pregnant mothers, as well as the old and those who are already sick with another ailment, are those who are most at risk from this disease.

If your child is not getting any better near the end of the antibiotic course, phone or visit the doctor again and let him know that it's not going so well, so that he can take the necessary action, such as give you a repeat prescription of the antibiotic.

Once the tests are back, the doctor will then contact you and let you know if your child needs to go onto the medication which has been developed for swine flu.

Also an excellent idea is to pray, if you are not already!

OUTLOOK

Most healthy kids will soon recover from swine flu, many of them with very little medication. But we need to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions, as it can be a killer. The death rate is about the same as for normal flu, so with the right precautions and prompt treatment, there should be no major problems.

http://wrinklyo.googlepages.com

Swine Flu - Immunize Your Child Or Not?

2009-10-17T05:33:00.001-05:00

As the health departments in North America begin ramping up production of swine flu immunization, the pressure will mount for people to be immunized. While I am not advocating one way or the other and believe it is a personal decision each family must make, I am amazed at the controversy that is being stirred by certain companies and schools who are requiring the swine flu immunization.

Some hospitals are requiring all of their employees to be immunized. It may seem like an extreme measure, but because of the risk involved of health care providers either being too sick to work in large numbers or getting swine flu and passing it on to compromised individuals in the hospital, the hospital administrators feel justified in making it a requirement.

Many schools are also considering making Swine Flu immunization a requirement for continued attendance. As many as one-third of parents do not agree with the idea of having their child immunized. There is some reason for concern. In 1918 when the last Swine Flu epidemic raced through the world, the Swine Flu immunization that was given had an unexpected side effect of exacerbating a certain type of paralysis. While it was an extremely small number of people who were impacted, to this day the U.S. government does not know what caused the problem.

Parents are fearful that the government's desire to swiftly put in place a Swine Flu Immunization program will cause some of the same complications down the road. However, the people at the health department who have been working on the vaccine assure the public that this Swine Flu immunization benefits from advanced testing procedures that allow them to pinpoint problems with the vaccination before it hits the general population.

Only you can decide whether or not your child should receive the Swine Flu immunization. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that the number of people harmed by the immunization program in the early 1900s was miniscule compared to the number of lives saved.

We do have a pandemic on our hands. Whether you choose to be immunized or not, be sure to talk to your children and teenagers about taking safety precautions. The following precautions are recommended by the health department:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze. Put it in the trash after you use it, and then wash your hands.

• Avoid touching your eyes and nose or putting your fingers in your mouth.

• If you are ill with flu-like symptoms, stay home at least 24 hours.

• If you have a fever, you should be fever free without the use of medication for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school.

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. When washing your hands is not an option, use an alcohol based wipe or hand sanitizer.

We all must take responsibility for the health of our communities during this pandemic. Children under the age of 24 are one of the most vulnerable populations, so talk to your teens and younger children often about making safe and healthy choices.

Norbert Georget is an accomplished professional speaker, teen motivator, parenting expert and author of the book, No-Nonsense Parenting For Today's Teenager - How To Feel Like A Good Parent Even When Your Teenager Hates You. You may get a FREE REPORT called No-Nonsense Parenting for the Disrespectful Teenager. All the answers you'll need to deal with your disrespectful teenager.

Overweight? Swine Flu May Be More Serious

2009-10-12T16:17:00.000-05:00

Losing weight and keeping it off is even more important during this flu season. Hospitals and government agencies are reporting that excess weight is a risk factor for complications from H1N1. At one Michigan hospital, 9 out of 10 of the swine flu victims in the intensive care unit were overweight.

You can get a vaccination against the flu, although of course that doesn't give you immunity for at least two weeks, and only partial immunity for some people. As you probably know, the success of the flu shot depends on scientists predicting and matching the flu strains that will develop during the next flu season and creating a vaccine that can overcome those flu strains.

Sometimes, a new strain appears unexpectedly, as it did with H1N1, and that season's flu shot doesn't cover it. What happens then? Well, more people are unprotected - even those who were vaccinated. More people get the flu and pass it on to other people. This is what's happening right now with H1N1. And until the H1N1 flu shot is available, no one is protected from it.

But even if you do get the shot, and not all people do, some because of religious or philosophical reasons and some because they believe in alternative treatments, there's no guarantee that you won't get the flu while you're waiting for your immune system to kick in. Plus, why not give your immune system all the help it can get by eating right and getting down to the right weight for you?

Do it now, because the longer you wait, the harder it is to change your habits. But even if you're middle-aged or older, permanent weight loss can be achieved with simple, easy changes to your diet and small exercise efforts. You don't need a personal chef or a gym membership to get healthy and tone up.

With flu season just around the corner or here in some places, it makes sense to do anything you can to avoid it or keep it from causing serious harm - or even death - if you do develop it. One way to do that is by reducing your risk factors for getting flu and its complications, both seasonal and H1N1.

Swine Flu (H1N1) can be much more serious when you're overweight! Find out How to Prevent and Treat Flu Naturally. This free 12 page report with the best natural remedies you've never heard of is at http://www.lillslifesystems.com

Swine Flu Shots May Be To Late!

2009-10-08T20:01:00.001-05:00

According to the Center for Disease Control, the best defense against flu, both seasonal and H1N1 or Swine Flu, is the flu vaccine. This week, they announced that the first shipments of the nasal mist form of the vaccine will be available.

But before you head out to your doctor's or the local flu clinic to get your Swine Flu shot, you need to know a few things.

1. The nasal mist is only for people aged 2-49.

2. It's being offered to health workers first, then to the groups most at risk for complicatons from H1N1.

3. The shot, itself, won't be available until later this month and will also be offered to high risk people first.

What does this mean for you? Well, unless you're a health worker, a pregnant woman, have a compromised immune system or are under 24, you may have to wait for your Swine Flu shot.

While you're waiting, there are things you can do to prevent both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. Try to stay away from crowds. If you go out, wash your hands often and don't touch your mouth, nose or eyes.

If flu is widespread in your area and you do have to go out, wear an approved mask to protect yourself from other people's germs. If you really want to protect yourself, wear disposable gloves and throw them away when you get home and then wash your hands thoroughly.

Get plenty of rest and if you're overweight, try to lose some weight. Overweight is one risk factor for complications from H1N1. Eat healthy vegetables and fruits and cut down on sugar and empty calories. Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Getting a flu shot may be the best protection against seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses. However, until they're available, protecting our health is up to us.

Swine Flu (H1N1) is much more dangerous when you're overweight! Find out How to Prevent and Treat Flu Naturally. Free 9 page report with the best natural remedies you've never heard of is at http://www.lillslifesystems.com

Should You Get the Swine Flu Vaccine?

2009-10-05T10:40:00.000-05:00

Everywhere you look and everything you hear centers around swine flu lately. There is talk of mandatory vaccinations of school children and health care workers; seniors, pregnant women and very young children are always the prime candidates for vaccinations of this type. But is this the best answer? I am not a doctor nor am I an infectious disease expert. However, I believe it is very important to get as much information as possible in order to make the best decision. I will share some information but the responsibility to seek as much information as possible and the final decision as to whether to get the shot or not is yours, at least for now.

First of all, have you ever asked your doctor whether he or she gets a flu shot every year? The answer may surprise you. Dr. Donald Miller, a cardiac surgeon and Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington, recommends avoiding the flu shot and taking vitamin D instead. According to Dr. Miller, "Seventy percent of doctors do not get a flu shot." Official health statistics tell us 36,000 people will die from the flu EVERY winter. But the National Vital Statistics Reports compiled by the CDC reveals only 1,138 of those deaths occur due to the flu alone. The balance are caused by pneumonia, heart attacks and other underlying causes such as bacterial infections.

Dr. John Cannell and his colleagues have theorized that the flu is merely a symptom of vitamin D deficiency. Their theory was further proven by researchers who suggested that flu epidemics are the result of a dormant disease which is activated by vitamin D deficiency. It seems logical since our flu season happens in the fall and winter months, when we have fewer hours of sunlight.

All vaccines carry a risk no matter how "safe" they are said to be. The vaccine being produced specifically for the swine flu or H1N1 virus is being "fast tracked." That means it is being pushed through testing and approval phases and therefore we will not have adequate information as to its long and short term safety. That is a huge concern. Back in 1976 - the last swine flu epidemic - 25 people died - solely as a result of the vaccine. That was more than the actual number who died from the virus itself! And it triggered 500 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a serious brain disorder that attacks the lining of nerves and can cause temporary paralysis and death. Many experts have similar concerns about this new vaccine.

Many experts are voicing concerns about the long term risks of this fast tracked vaccine in healthy people and whether those risks are justified, particularly when all the evidence shows that this H1N1 flu is a mild strain. The Vaccine Adverse Effect Reporting System of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration receives around 11,000 "serious adverse reaction" reports per year. Serious reactions are defined as death, life-threatening illness, hospitalization, or disability resulting from a vaccine. The FDA admits that in all probability only about 10% of adverse reactions are actually reported.

30-50% of people infected with flu have mild or no symptoms at all and the vast number of people clear it on their own. We have to also keep in mind everyone is biochemically unique and we each react differently to drugs and treatments. The risk-benefit is different for everyone - so one size, so to speak, cannot fit all. Another statistic to consider is this: 436 people have died as a result of swine flu; 200,000 deaths occur annually from medical errors.

If all that was not enough to make your head spin, just how effective are flu shots? Preparing vaccines for the coming flu season is an annual guessing game. There are typically 200 to 300 different flu virus strains, while the vaccine usually contains antigens of only a few. (Antigens are molecules that trigger a specific immune response.) More often than not the vaccine doesn't contain antigens of the most virulent strains that season.

The most important recommendation I can make right now is this: educate yourself. Once you know the truth you will not be swayed by fear tactics. There will be many voices trying to get you to respond out of fear. We are never to make decisions, or do anything for that matter, out of fear. That is a position of weakness. The Lord tells us repeatedly to fear not. My suggestion is educate yourself and once you understand the facts, dig for the truth of the matter, which may not be obvious. Then whatever decision you make, do it in faith.

Ann Musico is a certified Biblical health coach and independent nutritional consultant. She has developed a "3-D Living Program" to assist her coaching clients in achieving vibrant health and wholeness - spirit, soul and body. Visit her website at http://www.threedimensionalvitality.com to learn more about the "3-D Living Program" as well as the e-books, products and coaching packages she offers. Subscribe for her free monthly newsletter and weekly email messages. Health is more than just the absence of illness. Let Ann show you how to create a life of passion and purpose, wholeness and harmony.

Can Vitamin D Prevent Swine Flu?

2009-09-23T16:07:00.001-05:00

A possible connection between vitamin D and Swine flu is the subject of a major Canadian study, which researchers say could eventually lead to the use of the vitamin as a flu preventative.

The study, sponsored by the Public Health Agency of Canada, began in 2008. It originally focused on the role that the vitamin plays in severe seasonal influenza in general, but PHAC recently announced that the study will now be adapted to include the N1H1 or Swine flu virus.

The study will build on existing research that started in the 1940s, looking for an association between D vitamin levels and serious seasonal influenza. Decades of early studies and a growing body of epidemiological evidence indicate that low levels of the vitamin are definitely correlated with susceptibility to flu viruses.

PHEA said the current study will probably be continued through three flu seasons in order to collect sufficient sample data. Ultimately, the goal is to see if the vitamin can be used to mitigate severe seasonal influenza, the PHEA announcement said.

The N1H1 virus, which is a substrain of a virus commonly found in pigs, is transmitted from person to person in the same way that other flu viruses are transmitted. Symptoms of the N1H1 virus are also the same as symptoms of other flu strains and include headache, coughing, chills, fever, muscle pain, weakness, and general discomfort.

In most cases the virus is relatively mild, but as with all seasonal flu strains, the very young, the very old, and people with underlying heath conditions can be very much at risk.

The global outbreak of N1H1 virus began in Mexico in April, 2009 and spread rapidly. In June the World Health Organization declared the outbreak to be a pandemic. The virus spread through the southern hemisphere with unprecedented speed, and at the same time cases were confirmed throughout the US and other countries.

The virus has been confirmed in every state in the US. On September 3 the Centers for Disease Control reported more than 9,000 people hospitalized because of the virus, and said a total of 583 deaths were attributed to the flu virus in the US.

Concerns remain that a variation of the virus will recirculate through the world during the upcoming flu season. In late August the WHO predicted a huge increase of cases worldwide throughout the remainder of 2009 and well into 2010. According to the WHO some countries could see the number of cases double every few days until the peak period of transmission has passed.

Medical experts agree that vitamin D benefits flu immunity - keeping vitamin D levels high is one of the best things you can do for yourself during cold and flu season. Are you getting enough vitamin D to keep your immune system working at its best? Find out more at Vitamin D Benefits.

Swine Flu Vaccination - Why it Might Be Dangerous?

2009-09-15T19:43:00.000-05:00

The world is currently on edge with the development of the H1N1 flu and is awaiting the upcoming flu season. Everyday we hear talk about the swine flu vaccination but many people don't trust these vaccines that are quickly being rushed to market. What are the potential dangers that you should know about and what can you do to protect your family's health as an alternative?

Swine Flu in 1976

Swine flu was first discovered in 1976 when a 19 year old private in the Army at Fort Dix became extremely ill and then was dead within 24 hours. Swine flu was announced and within weeks drug companies wanted to inoculate the entire country with a swine flu vaccination. Mass vaccinations started and within weeks people that took the shot were developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, a paralyzing nerve disease. 500 people came down with this disease and 30 people died. The only death from the swine flu was the 19 year old private David Lewis.

There are many ingredients added to vaccines that can have very negative effects on human beings and there are long and short term effects. The drug companies are making billions of dollars on drugs though and not everyone trusts industries that are so heavily motivated by money. Is the swine flu vaccination going to save us or just put billions in the pockets of drug companies?

Swine Flu 2009

So once again there is a mad rush to create a vaccine to inoculate every man, woman, and child just like in 1976. Have the drug companies learned anything or are we the end users still taking a gamble? The World Health Organization is assuring everyone that there will be no complications from the H1N1 flu vaccination but if that is true then why are the drug companies that are manufacturing the vaccine not going to be held liable for any compensation claims that anyone may suffer.

European countries and the United States have granted indemnity to the companies to encourage them to rush this out to market to secure enough doses for October. Supposedly the states will be asked to pick up the bill for any compensation claims. Asked to pick up the bill? How exactly is that going to work? It makes things very sticky and many states in the U.S. are already struggling with money so how do they plan to compensate health claims made against a possible swine flu vaccination gone wrong?

Take initiative and prepare yourself

It's amazing how much fear is being promoted on the news about the H1N1 flu and how there is silence on things you can do to help prevent catching it. Aside from washing hands which seems to be the only thing they promote there are solid strategies to help strengthen your own immune system giving you an edge. There is no guarantee you will even be able to get a swine flu vaccination if you want one so what can you do for yourself today?

Taking Vitamin C is a cheap way to strengthen your overall immune system. Vitamin D has actually been shown in clinical settings to help prevent people from even catching the H1N1 flu. There are millions of people around the world that are now privy to this information on Vitamin D and trying to spread the word. The final supplement you can add is Echinacea. This herb has been used for centuries to strengthen immune systems.

Don't wait around for a swine flu vaccination, start protecting yourself today with sound nutrition and some healthy supplements to help strengthen your immunity to flu.

Rick Porter is a fitness solutions expert with 25 years of training experience interested in helping people maintain their health and fitness. For more tips on how to protect yourself and your family go to http://www.swine-flu-update.org/

Swine Flu (H1N1) Vaccinations For Pregnant Women?

2009-09-13T22:49:00.001-05:00

In our society we are very concerned about the health of pregnant women. We generally tend to not want to use them as experimental subjects because of the general fragility of the child in the womb. However we are in a unique situation in that we have a new virus that is especially dangerous to young children and children in the womb.

The question that expecting mothers and fathers are asking themselves now is should we vaccinate the mother against potential infection by the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu?

Although the swine flu is new to the US as of 2009 the process used to create the vaccine that has been rushed into production to help protect against it is well timed tested. It is the same process is used to create vaccines for the seasonal flu that most people in the US receive each year. The vaccine that is, not the flu.

In fact, the vaccine is remarkably effective against the seasonal flu. And it is also very safe for most people. The question this year is how the vaccine for H1N1 will be different, if at all, from the seasonal flu vaccine. So far, evidence shows that people who tolerate seasonal flu vaccine also tolerate the H1N1 vaccine very well.

One additional wrinkle will be that people will need to get two vaccines, not just one. Vaccine for H1N1 and seasonal flu have not been combined so it will be two separate shots, perhaps two separate visits at two different locations. This is obviously an inconvenience but should be relatively small compared to the consequences of getting infected with swine flu.

So if you are pregnant you really should consider taking the extra step in talking with your physician about getting the swine flu vaccine. If you are in a situation where you are around a lot of children, or are in a medical setting, that leans you more towards getting the vaccine over not. If you work around a lot of children, and you were to get infected, and you could potentially infect many children who have relatively low immunity to this particular strain of flu. If you're a medical setting than you obviously have potential for much more exposure to anyone who has this new variant of the flu.

It's very understandable that pregnant woman would be concerned about getting a new vaccine and how it may affect their unborn child. But caution seems to argue in favor the vaccine rather than against it. In any case, consult your physician before making a final decision.

Perry's latest project is at http://WaterSoftener-Reviews.com where you can find special insight on how people really go about writing water softener reviews. You will be able to find real experience with purchasing, using and installing water softeners for the home.

Preventing Swine Flu in College Dorms - 9 Steps That Work

2009-09-03T06:57:00.001-05:00

Increased exposure to a greater number of people puts college coeds at greater risk for contracting contagious diseases. And the most recent step by college officials to quarantine students on campus because of a Swine Flu outbreak is a scary example of how fast an airborne or contact disease can spread. Here are a few effective tips towards staying healthy, yet still being able to enjoy college dorm life.

1. Disinfect frequently used surfaces regularly. This should include door knobs, draw pulls, TV remotes, computer keyboard and mouse, phone, iPod, Blackberry, laptop, and other hand held devices.

Your normal routine of opening and closing doors, books, desks, chairs collects a ton of germs on your hands. If you then talk on you phone while using your hands to eat a snack, you've just transferred a lot of potential harm from outside to inside your body.

2. Avoid those who are coughing or sneezing. This is particularly good advice for you if they are not covering their mouths. One of the ways the Swine Flu virus spreads is when droplets from the infected host are inhaled by others; and these droplets can travel as far as 6 feet.

3. Be fussy about who you allow in your room. If you have a sick friend, invite them back when they are well rather than let them come into your area while they are obviously still contagious.

4. Wash your hands frequently. With all the modern technology, this old-fashioned, low tech piece of advice still works to combat germs. Lather up well, and sing the Happy Birthday song to make sure you've washed long enough to kill the germs.

5. Invest in hand sanitizer. For those times when hand washing is not possible, keep some in your back pack, car, your friends' car, and your room. Offer it freely to help those you come in closest contact with to stay healthy. Always use it before using your hands to eat, after sneezing, or blowing your nose.

6. When you are ill stay put. Pampering yourself with plenty of rest and fluids, and limiting your exposure to others will get you back on track faster than toughing it out which will lower your resistance even more. If you are not better pretty quickly, and are experiencing symptoms that seem out of the ordinary, seek professional help fast.

7. Carry a small pack of tissues with you. Use them to cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing. This will keep your hands cleaner, making you less contagious. Dispose of the tissues immediately. Empty the trash can frequently and avoid touching them again when you dispose of them.

8. Change the air in your room. Air can easily become stale, and letting new air in and the old air out can keep airborne pollutants from accumulating. This is only an option

9. Invest in a dorm room air purifier. A small, portable, light weight, but heavy duty air purifier in your dorm room can work 24 hours a day to remove airborne pollutants. Bacteria and viruses as small as .3 microns as well as odors, and particulates can be constantly eliminated whether anyone is there or not. Keeping the air clean keeps resistance high, and if you do encounter a brush with the flu, your body will be more able to fight it off.

An excellent air purifier for college dorm rooms is offered by PurerAir.com, the Dorm Room Air Purifier. See it now at http://purerair.com/dorm_air_purifier.html.

Boost Your Immunity to Counter Swine Flu!

2009-09-02T19:02:00.001-05:00

Among hoards of mails circulated on World Wide Web, few are really important. Well, it does not mean people who are circulating these mails have bad intentions. Many people want to come forth with certain things that can free us all of the swine flu (H1N1) scare and impart health. But while trusting these mails, it is definitely necessary to seek expertise and not trust any and all mails. You obviously want to help yourself and not fall prey to heavy side effects from the drugs.

For example, taking Tamiflu whenever you suffer from flu-like symptoms is not good at all. Rather, experts have said that taking Tamiflu merely with onset of sneezing or coughing may lead to serious side effects. Moreover, in children, these drugs must be used with caution only with expert advice. So, if you are thinking to store Tamiflu in advance, you may be wrong.

Swine flu found in people with low resistance power!

This is the reason it is better to dwell upon ideas that are talking to boost your immunity. In this swine flu scenario, it is better if you are able to cope with the increasing viral infection by enhancing your resistance power. Even it is found so far that people who succumbed to swine flu have low or compromised immunity due to one or more reasons. Therefore there is no need to fret the threat if you are immune to the viral attack.

Enhance your immunity and don't panic!

No wonder therapies like homeopathy and Ayurveda have lot to do with this swine flu (H1N1). These are the therapies that are traditionally known to boost the immunity. They act upon the body as well as mind to relieve you of swine flu anxiety as well. The following homeopathic remedies are very crucial in reducing swine flu scare. They do act as the best preventive tools against swine flu:

• Gelsemium

• Arsenicum album

• Rhus tox

• Pulsatilla

• Eupatorium perfoliatum

• Bryonia etc

The anxious state of mind or panic lowers the immunity and so the swine flu threat is higher in people with excessive anxiety about swine flu. Relax! Do not equate swine flu with death. Instead act now and increase your bodily resistance to curb all such future viral and bacterial attacks.

Think about future problems now!

We are all doing every possible thing to avoid the occurrence of swine flu and putting face masks despite experts shouting that masks are not of much use. Have you thought what if some other infection crops up suddenly after swine flu? Well, I absolutely do not want to create fear among masses. Rather, I want you all to be solidly built so that you will repel any and every infection that may come your way. We all know global warming and uncertainty of rains are creating havoc in our life. Who knows what is there in store tomorrow? We cannot sit silent without doing anything. We must take action now to avoid all such future hassles so that we will not need to dig a well when we face scarcity!

What can we do to build our immunity stronger?

Let's list the points:

(1) Do not panic. It is possible if you learn to manage your stress well. Stressed individuals face graver risks. Here too you can seek help from homeopathy which acts on your mind and psyche effectively.

(2) Avoid harsh medications that take away your strength and act only temporarily. What we mean by this is, if you or your child develops a habit of taking high doses of antibiotics and anti-virals for common colds and fevers how will your build your resistance power? If you suppress every expression of your body by harsh medicine, you will never realize that your body has a mechanism to cope with these external attacks. Moreover, your body will forget how to react to a foreign stimulus and will need higher and higher antibiotics every time in future. So, try natural and holistic medicines like homeopathy that act from inside out and are mildest.

(3) Enhance your physical activity. Free radicals are thought to be one of the reasons for catching infections early. Regular exercise reduces free radicals and enhances anti-oxidants in circulation. This in turn makes you immune to viral attacks like swine flu.

(4) Eat healthy. Vegetarianism must be emphasized. Also eat more raw veggies, green veggies and sprouts that make your diet complete.

(5) Homeopathic constitutional medicines are prescribed by experts after carefully considering the physical, mental, and emotional sphere of a person and they act wonderfully well to enhance the overall resistance power.

(6) Last but not the least, live your life calmly. While running behind money and power, realize where you are heading. Live a life fully and devote more time to activities that you like. Happier you are; more will be your immunity! Try it!

Dr. Shreya is a well-known Homeopath of India and has her online clinic. For further details about her services and homeopathic system of medicine, please visit her site- http://www.drshreya.com

Pandemic Planning For Swine Flu - How Can I Stop a Pandemic?

2009-09-02T07:17:00.000-05:00

Pandemic planning for swine flu is up to the government right? If they are taking care of it what could I possibly do? You and I and everyone else can do a lot actually. People often forget "the government" is just a bunch of people just like you and I, no wiser than any of your neighbors and no more powerful than any other organization. When it comes to most crisis situations the government is about as powerful and organized as your local high school foot ball team so "ignore the man behind the curtain".

The people that will make the biggest impact on whether swine flu passes by harmlessly off the coast or slams into the United States like hurricane Katrina are the citizens that prepare to head it off. Do we really want to leave it up to the government to fix the levees when there is so much we can do ourselves.

Pandemic planning for swine flu begins at home.

Spread the word. Find out as much as you can about signs and symptoms, vaccinations and where to get them, and treatment options. Once you have talk it over with your family. They need to know as much as you do especially kids. Children are the most susceptible to infection and most likely to spread the disease.
The drug that helps "cure" H1N1 is in short supply so there may be restrictions in your state on prescribing it. You need to know if that will affect you or anyone you care about before you need to take it. Call your doctor. If it's not available plan accordingly.
Keep your hands clean. Personal hygiene is the first line of defense. Once again children will be the likely culprit. Tell your kids how important it is to wash their hands often, cough into their sleeves, and try to avoid other kids showing symptoms. A good tip is to provide yourself and your kids alcohol based hand sanitizer gel. It requires no water and kills germs and bacteria your hands come in contact with.

It's not the government that gave us the important information we need to start planning for H1N1. It's a few scientists that specialize in the creepy subject to begin with. Once they realized how dangerous the situation was they started ringing some bells and the media took it from there. Of course it took some people dieing for anyone to pay attention in the first place but we're listening now. Some of us anyway.

Swine Flu is serious business and I'm not just trying to scare you. The fact is any Flu prevention tips are good information and Swine Flu precautions save lives. The Swine Flu is scary. It targets people 25 and younger and small children are especially vulnerable. I touched on some of the basics but this subject deserves real attention. To find out more take a look at http://www.how-to-prevent-swine-flu.info In depth comprehensive information on pandemic planning for swine flu is available and I strongly recommend you take advantage of it before you "need" to.

The Swine Flu Vaccine - Who Will Get It?

2009-08-25T08:13:00.002-05:00

H1N1, formerly referred to as Swine flu, is taking the world by storm. As people worldwide brace for this new virus, many are fearful as to what the fall flu season will hold. The United States normally sees no flu cases during the summer months. The H1N1 virus has shown that this is a virulent strain, causing sickness even in summer. As children head to school and summer comes to a close, many worry if the H1N1 vaccination will be available should a widespread outbreak occur.

The current H1N1 vaccination is still in production, and there is a possibility that it will be ready come this autumn season. If it has passed clinical trials and testing and is deemed safe, there is an order of preference for receiving the vaccine. When the Novel H1N1 vaccine becomes available pregnant women, caregivers and households that care for children 6 months old and younger, healthc are workers and emergency medical services personnel, children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years, and people between the ages of 25 and 64 who have health conditions that would pose a risk of complications associated with the H1N1 virus will receive preferential status for receiving the vaccine.

These recommendations are set in place in case the vaccine is available in limited quantities. There is a chance that there will be enough of the vaccine for everyone; if this is the situation, the preferred status will not be needed. If, however, there is demand for the H1N1 vaccine, the preferred order will be the same as listed above. Pregnant women will receive the vaccine first, followed by those who live with or are caregivers for children younger than 6 months old, health care and emergency medical services personnel that have direct contact with patients, children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years, followed by children between the ages of 5 and 18. It is estimated that those on the preferred list constitutes approximately 159 million people. It's important to realize that the H1N1 vaccine does not negate or replace the need for receiving the seasonal flu vaccine.

Charisse Van Horn is a successful freelance writer. To view more of her work, please visit U.S. Headlines Examiner.

Swine Flu - Worrying Outbreak

2009-08-21T16:07:00.000-05:00

Swine flu is an extremely infectious respiratory disease which usually affects pigs but has now spread to humans raising a major health scare across the world.

Swine flu was first detected when a large number of people in Mexico began falling sick showing symptoms of normal flu and the death toll kept rising. More and more confirmed cases are being reported from across the world and this has the WHO extremely worried about the situation which has increased its pandemic alert phase to `phase 5.` It is referring to swine flu as a `public health emergency of international concern`.

Swine flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease typically affecting pigs and is caused by type A virus or H1N1 virus. If not treated timely, it can be fatal resulting in death. It was rare that this virus would affect humans, though cases were not unheard of in the past but even then, it would not spread beyond two or three people. But, now, the current strain affecting humans is a new variant of the H1N1 virus which is a mix of animal and human viruses. This mutated virus makes the flu spread from person to person making it very difficult to handle because humans do not have any natural immunity against this.

The transmission of this disease from human-to-human is extremely worrying as swine flu spreads like the normal flu when an infected person sneezes or coughs in the company of other people. The infected fluid lands on surfaces or hands or gets dispersed into the air. So, anyone who makes contacts with the infected person`s hands or touches any infected surface and then touches his own nose or mouth or eyes stands at risk of exposure to that virus. Breathing the contaminated air also exposes that person to the virus.

The problem with swine flu is that it exhibits the same symptoms as the normal human flu and can be easily mistaken for the same thus delaying the right treatment and which can prove fatal. The symptoms include cough, cold, headaches, joint pain, muscles pain, sore throat and running nose, vomiting and lack of appetite, lethargy, fever and diarrhea. Recent reports indicate that vomiting and dizziness are more often associated with this particular type of flu strain.

The only way to deal with this situation is to exercise caution and try and minimize your chances of getting affected by this disease. Attempt to avoid close contact with people exhibiting flu-like symptoms like cough or cold or if they are running temperature and generally appear sick. The importance of washing hands frequently with soap and water cannot be over-emphasized in this situation. Avoiding over-crowded public places is another way of attempting to keep this disease at bay.

If you do find yourself with a fever, sore throat or cold and cough, please stay at home and rest. Using disposable tissues for covering mouth or nose every time you cough or sneeze and then disposing of them hygienically is another way of preventing the virus from spreading. It is imperative to avoid contact with people but family and friends should be informed. Any outing to public places or using public transport like buses, trains, cars or airplanes should be strictly avoided. This is part of the personal responsibility of each individual should he show symptoms of swine flu. Anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu which are known to combat swine-flu may be prescribed by your doctor.

Until the swine flu scare passes, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to wash hands often and be alert to any flu-like symptoms and consult a doctor immediately.

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil.

Track the Swine Flu Outbreak

2009-08-10T11:36:00.001-05:00

The human cases of swine flu, which is spread by influenza virus A (H1N1), have been reported from Mexico and the US, where many people have fallen ill and even died from it. The health agencies are working closely and the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that some of the human cases are a never seen before version of this virus.

There are several methods of preventing flu, although in the case of swine flu, people should resort to effective anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza for preventative reasons.

What is Swine flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease, which is caused by influenza type A virus (H1N1) that infects pigs. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to that of seasonal flu, although there have been several reported human deaths that are linked to this flu infection. It is considered as new version of H1N1 strain, which caused the 1918 flu pandemic.

How to treat Swine flu?

There is no specific vaccine for controlling this type of flu, but some current drugs can prove helpful. Apart from anti-viral drugs, people can do a bit on their part. They should maintain a good personal hygiene such as washing hands, and covering their nose while sneezing.

Doctors have recommended some anti-viral treatments like Tamiflu or Relenza, depending upon the suitability of a patient. These two drugs are commonly used for the treatment of influenza type A, and considering swine flu is a strain of influenza type A, it has been reported to treat it.. The US health authorities have discovered that not only can these drugs help in swine flu treatment, but can also help in preventing it spreading. These drugs ensure that the flu virus is not transmitted easily among people.

Tamiflu is an oral prescription drug that is used for the treatment as well as prevention of flu. The main ingredient in it is oseltamivir phosphate, which can prevent the spread of flu virus in the body. It also helps to ease off the flu symptoms. Tamiflu is available in the strength of a 75 mg capsule.

Similar to Tamiflu is another flu treatment known as Relenza, which is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It can help treat type A or B influenza, including swine flu. It comes in the form of a powder, which is inhaled at least two times in a day or as directed by the doctor.

Both these anti-viral drugs can prove helpful in the treatment of swine flu. You can get them from any local pharmacy by showing a prescription from a doctor, or you can buy them over the internet from any authentic online source.

What to do in order to stay safe during this flu infection?

It is advisable for those people who come into contact with the swine virus and have flu like symptoms to seek proper medical advice. Most affected cases have been reported from Mexico, so it has been advised to cancel any travel trips in and out of that country for the time being.

You should avoid contact with people who have a fever or a cough, or seem to be unwell due to the flu. If you have no choice but to be close to those already infected, it is advised that you use a mask to cover your nose and mouth to limit the risk of infection.

Webmaster associated with online clinic "HealthExpress" this site provides various information on Tamiflu and helps people in curing Influenza, resources are available on site HealthExpress.co.uk.

Swine Flu School Closings

2009-08-04T17:41:00.000-05:00

When a widespread outbreak of a contagious disease or virus occurs, sometimes governments, on the advice of their health advisors take action in closing some public institutions -schools are usually top of the list.

The other scenario in not to serious outbreaks is to keep the institutions and schools open as normal, save for the exclusion of the afflicted. This latter action for obvious reasons causes far less disruption but is not without controversy!

There is a 3rd option to, whereby sections or faculties and departments maybe closed whilst the majority of other functions remain.

As far as swine flu is concerned, after initial hygiene and cleansing chores there is only a need to bar the affected persons from having contact with others. This is usually done through a request that the person infected stay at home until all symptoms and swine flu effects have subsided. Of course, those affected are usually happy to comply as not only do they feel poorly but would most probably prefer to be at home being cared for.

Up to now the worst affected area resulting in school closures was in Mexico in addition to a ban on gathering in public places. The government declared national holidays to help solve the issues which seemed to work as the reported cases of swine flu dropped significantly after the measures were adopted. However, remain despite school and other closures and travellers to Mexico, particularly to the Cancun region are advised to check the latest travel information and advice prior to leaving.

To learn more about the symptoms of swine flu and other Swine Flu Facts you really should read the latest guide which tells you The Truth about swine flu, information you won't get from the press or politicians but nevertheless it's info you NEED to know.

Dealing With the Swine Flu Threat During Pregnancy

2009-08-02T08:24:00.000-05:00

It's officially a pandemic and honestly, I'm a little scared. River is only 8 months old and in babies and pregnant women, swine flu can be very serious. The pandemic has taken 29 lives in the UK so far, (with the majority of these cases seeing underlying health issues), including a pregnant woman, a baby and children.

A report in US News, "Dealing with the Swine Flu Threat During Pregnancy" brought up some salient points which every pregnant woman needs to know about.

Firstly, pregnant women and children have been advised to get the H1N1 vaccination when it comes out in the next month or so, but the question is should pregnant women and children be one of the first or last to receive this vaccination? The vaccination is so new that this would effectively be a mass drugs trial to which we do not definitely know the outcome. "Just today, public health experts said that there's no way to know if any rare side effects will occur in the new vaccine until millions of people are vaccinated. Those unknowns would make an expectant mom especially nervous." Deborah Kotz, US News

Secondly, flu vaccinations contain thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative that was banished from other childhood vaccines several years ago but is still used in most flu vaccines.

Studies on mercury have shown that this element passes into the brain and remains there. Mercury can have profound effects on a developping fetus, which is why pregnant women are advised not to eat shellfish, tuna, shark, mackerel, king and tilefish. (A good pregnancy diet and exercise should take this into account, so if you are following a specific pregnancy fitness program, you should be safe.)

There are thimerosal-free versions of the vaccine available but you may struggle to find a doctor who stocks this.

"John Iskander, the previous head of immunization safety at the CDC, told me last fall that the reason the agency doesn't recommend thimerosal-free vaccines is because "there's still not enough women receiving the flu vaccine, and we don't want to throw up another barrier in the vaccination process." " Deborah Kotz, US News

Lastly, pregnant women who have been exposed to someone who has the virus should get the antiviral drug Tamiflu. This advice does not apply to non-pregnant women (or men in fact!).

The best thing you can do to make sure you stay healthy and fit during pregnancy is take proper precautions. Always wash your hands after being in a public place and it's worth carrying a bottle of hand sanitizer in your handbag for occasions when you are out and there's no access to a washbasin. Make sure your children have good hand hygeine too.

If you are pregnant and you do have symptoms, contact your GP straight away. Stay hydrated and stock up on nutrient dense foods.

For Pregnancy Health & Fitness Made Simple (ie. no brainpower required on your part!), grab a free copy of Nisha's latest ebook, POWER Pregnancy - The 5 Health Secrets Every Expectant Mother MUST Know! http://www.the9monthclub.com

12 More Deaths From H1N1 Swine Flu in the UK

2009-08-01T13:07:00.001-05:00

The Swine Flu Pandemic in the UK has now killed 29 people, 12 of which have died in the last 4 days. The chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson has warned that over a third of the population could catch the virus and of these more than 65,000 could die during this swine flu pandemic. Cherie Blair who is the wife of the ex prime minister is at present battling the H1N1 strain of the virus.

We cannot emphasise enough that that with this actual strain it is not just hitting senior citizens or infirmed people. In fact, there is a small indication that population born before 1958 may have some resistance as the last bad outbreak of of this virus was in the fifties. A baby and a boy of 6 have died recently . The worrying thing is that the 6 year old is alleged to have had NO underlying health problems which makes scientists wonder if a more serious form of the swine flu is mutating. At present doctors are telling us that the virus and also the death rate are no worse than common flu.

The largest number of infections reported are in the age groups 16 - 64 and the under 5 year olds. Next week a National Pandemic Swine Flu Service will be in operation in the UK. You willbe able to get a good diagnosis over the phone or internet. An ID code will then enable a friend to get the patient a course of Tamiflu. It will not cure the disease but ease the symptoms. At present GP's and hospitals are stretched to their limits.

GP's and hospital doctors are now admitting that the disease is now rife and doctors are stressing that suspected sufferers should NOT go to the surgery but ring NHS Direct instead. For your information their number is 0845 4647. We all have a duty to stop the bug spreading. Symptoms can appear rapidly. Sudden fever (temperature more than 38 degrees C) and a cough are early warnings. You may also have headache, shivering, aching joints or an upset stomach.

For the full story on Swine Flu go over to our website at http://www.Askabouthealth.Com/swine-flu.html

Askabouthealth.Com get right to the facts on health matters. They tell it as it is good and bad and hopefully provide useful up to date information.

Swine Flu Outbreak - How to Protect Yourself

2009-07-29T16:33:00.001-05:00

What is Swine Flu?

Swine Flu, is a sickness that is common to pigs in the, Mid Western USA, Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe, Sweden, Italy, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of Eastern Asia. While, it is not normally found in humans, the flu has been making news and headlines all over the world as the number of infected people and death tolls rise.

How to protect you and your family:

#1. Wash, or sanitize your hands regularly! Most germs, viruses and infections are created by not washing your hands on a regular basis.

#2. Cough into your elbow rather than your hands. This will keep infectious germs from spreading to your hands, then to others.

#3. Keep commonly used surfaces (counter tops & where food is prepared) sanitized and clean, as this can spread the virus as well.

#4. Stay inside your home and go out as little as possible until the outbreak subsides.

#5. If you do go outside, wear a surgical mask to help keep you from breathing in any contamination if you do have contact with others who are infected.

Effects of, Swine Flu on Business & Economy:

Swine Flu, has created a major scare out there in the media and many businesses, jobs and economy resources are no longer in operation due to the outbreak. Store owners, businesses, schools, and child care facilities are closed down and no longer in operation until the disease subsides. This will drive many to shop on-line and not leave their homes in fear of retracting the sickness.

The more I see and hear about epidemics in the news, such as: Swine Flu, Recession, Rising Gas Prices and the like, the more glad I am that I chose an on-line career that allows me to work from home and not have to worry about these "Problem Occurrences" in our society today.

For more information on how to protect your future and Creating Wealth On-line, please visit the following link: http://www.123k-a-day.com

Are People Over 60 Resistant to Swine Flu?

2009-07-25T17:40:00.000-05:00

Swine flu is a brand-new disease; but scientists have come quite a way in the one month that the disease has been around, but they do not know everything they need to about it. There is reason to believe today that people in the population over the age of 60 might possibly be less vulnerable to this flu than younger people. People over 60 are expected to have been exposed to viruses from flu outbreaks in earlier times; this is expected to make them immunologically more resistant to this flu.

Tests undertaken by the CDC on hundreds of senior citizens showed that a third of all people over 60 have antibodies in their system that appeared to grant them some protection against the new flu. These are preliminary findings; the laboratory tests obviously did not actually expose those people to the this flu going about now. They were exposed to a lesser virus that is related to the current flu. For the reason that these tests are not the real thing, people over 60 are asked to always exercise the same kind of precautions that everyone else does.

Yet the study does bring to us important information: older people who are known to have been exposed to previous flu outbreaks certainly do have some antibodies that normal people do not have. How useful these anti-bodies will be in a real world flu epidemic, remains to be seen. These tests may help to explain why it is that the current this flu outbreak appears to target only children and young people. Only one in 100 flu cases in the US happens to be in a person who is over 60.

It is conjectured that seniors with immunity might have been around when flu viruses from the 1918 pandemic were still in the air. The 1918 this flu virus has however, had nearly a century to adapt and mutate to new forms. The new virus therefore, is not the same as the old one, and seniors who have antibodies to the old virus have limited if not total protection against the new flu virus.

What might be surprising is that a section of the population that is usually considered the most vulnerable, might be more resistant when the population that is in its prime is severely at risk. Antibodies then, are the reason. A vaccine that introduces antibodies into the body to help prepare against swine flu, does not exist yet, and will not for a few months longer. Vaccines that are used against normal seasonal flu also, offer no protection against this flu. Some people, in a misguided attempt to gain antibodies, organize what they call swine flu parties. A friend with a mild infection of the flu is called to a party that many people attend; the hope is that they can catch this mild flu disease that the friend has, and come out of the illness quickly, with resistance to any serious attack that flu might otherwise bring them. The CDC announces that this is a dangerous idea that can expose people to a terrible infection.

Authorclub is a one stop shop for articles and web content.
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Warning Signs of the Swine Flu

2009-07-22T14:16:00.000-05:00

The media has been buzzing lately over the topic of swine flu. As with any potential disaster, they've swarmed over it like flies over stink. The proximity of our neighbor, Mexico, and the dilemma they've run into with this flu (the H1N1 virus) has made it all the more worrisome to the general public of the United States. Many people have been panicking over sneezes, anxious over coughs, and inconsolable over runny noses. The fact is that many people don't understand the warning signs of swine flu.

1. The H1N1 flu is like any other flu. An infected person will have aches, fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, and chills.

2. Different flu symptoms in the initial stage may include vomiting and diarrhea.

3. Additional swine flu symptoms can be difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pressure or pain, abdomen pressure or pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, and severe or persistent vomiting.

4. One common symptom of this particular flu is for symptoms to improve but then return, usually with a worsening fever or cough.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued several advisory steps to take when either dealing with or trying to avoid swine flu.

1. Some steps in swine flu prevention are to use hand sanitizer and to wash hands often and thoroughly. Most germs are transmitted from a surface to the hands and into the body from there.

2. The CDC has also said to avoid people who are sneezing or coughing. Although swine flu cases are relatively rare at this point in time, it is still best to avoid sick people if you want to keep from getting sick. This is a good habit to form prior to a major outbreak.

3. If you are sick, stay home. Do not go around and infect others. Chances are that you will recover faster by resting anyway. If a family member is sick, have them stay home as well. Be extra careful in keeping your hands clean in that case.

4. Do not touch your nose, eyes, or mouth if your hands are not clean. This spreads disease much more than just having dirty hands.

Although many people are worried and anxious about the spread of the H1N1 virus, there is no need to be overly concerned. Knowing the warning signs and taking steps to avoid swine flu is the best way to prevent infection.

About the Author
Jodi M. is a mom with a passion for keeping her family healthy. She highly recommends utilizing a full system approach to defending against the cold and flu. Her favorite product for ultimate prevention is a Hand Sanitizer Spray. Using a spray instead of a gel helps with absorption and makes it easier to apply to kids. And we all know that kids need to fight bacteria more than anyone! With the added benefit of aloe and acai your hands will never feel better! Doux Soleil makes a scientifically advanced hand sanitizer as part of a complete line of cold and flu products to help protect, support, fortify, and treat you and your family 365 days a year.

Natural Remedy For Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus)

2009-07-11T08:10:00.000-05:00

Ever since the out break of swine flu people have started looking for all types of remedies to prevent this dreaded disease. Naturally people have also looked up to ayurveda the oldest system of medicine to prevent this disease. Although there is no mention of swine flu in ayurvedic texts but signs similar to swine flu have been laid out in it. Let us find out exactly how ayurveda can help keep this flu at bay.

In ayurveda flu symptoms include fever, body ache, soreness in the throat, feeling cold, debility which are similar to H1NI virus symptoms. It is believed that flu is a result of decreased immunity levels which weakens body's mechanism to fight against foreign attacks. So to treat swine flu ayurveda mentions some herbs which can help body boost its immune system and help fight any foreign micro organisms.

Herbs That Can Help Prevent Swine Flu
There are certain time tested herbs in ayurveda which can be effective in preventing flu they include neem, ginger, pepper and elderberry extract. Once the body becomes strong internally after the intake of these herbs then herbs like Echinacea and triphala are given to completely remove any symptoms one might have of flu.

Importance of Echinacea
Echinacea is a very important herb in ayurveda to treat any type of flu. It is used as a natural antibiotic, treats infections, increases body's resistance against diseases and helps in purification of blood. Other things like vitamin c and zinc oxide are also helpful in fighting against flu symptoms.

Overall Analysis
Looking at the above list of herbs it is clearly indicated that if you have any flu symptoms you should act as soon as possible, there is no need to panic as flu is completely curable but prevention is better than cure so if you have a weak digestive system try to strengthen it by adding spices like turmeric and coriander in your food and avoid junk and canned foods. Taking appropriate rest will also help.

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Protection From Swine Flu

2009-07-06T21:49:00.000-05:00

Swine flu is possibly the biggest topic in the news today! Currently, it has been confirmed in Mexico, the United States, as well as around 70 other countries in Europe and other places. Even as I write this article, the first case has been discovered in South Africa! As of early June, the A(H1N1) flu strain (Swine Flu), has been declared a pandemic which is the first pandemic in 41 years! So far, this has amounted to over 140 deaths. The question is, how can you get protection?

Luckily, there are many ways to protect yourself. Recently, there has been a vaccination discovered, and medical officials are working to distribute it as much as possible. But while that can help a great deal, the best way would be just to stay as healthy as possible. Staying healthy is not that hard to do. For the most part, washing your hands every time they come in contact with something potentially harmful to your body will keep you pretty healthy. Your hands touch everything, and so does everyone. Almost everything you touch in a public place has been touched by thousands of people. If you don't wash your hands before you eat, you are taking these things in to your body.

The A(H1N1) Flu is a highly contagious disease that just keeps spreading. We all need to keep ourselves healthy and get protection from swine flu so that we don't expose those who could die from this disease. By following very simple steps, you can get the best protection there is, and you will never have to worry about having the Swine Flu or carrying it on to someone else again!

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The Ultimate Protection Against Swine Flu - Vaccines

2009-06-23T17:10:00.001-05:00

The growing swine flu epidemic is gradually becoming serious. The disease is spreading freely across the world and has now achieved pandemic status, the first for influenza for 41 years.

As the possibility of a real swine flu vaccines dawns, we need to be aware of what it really is. And we need to know if there is any serious danger from the vaccine itself.

Now more than ever we need a vaccine for swine flu. But the development of a vaccine is a long arduous process that involves a number of complex intricate steps. But what are the steps needed to make a vaccine for swine flu? The US, Australian and British developmental swine flu vaccines all use different bits of several flu viruses. These are then used to construct a vaccine which specifically stimulates the immune system against swine flu.

The reasons why several pieces of various viruses are used is because only such a mixture can be grown in sufficient quantities in hens eggs to enable industrial production.

The amount of viral particles obtained from incubated eggs is crucial. If pharmaceutical companies like Glaxo-Smithkline who manufacture the vaccines find that they get less than expected from each egg, this could drastically effect the amount available to the public. So far no one is sure how much swine flu vaccine can be grown in each egg.

After the viruses are extracted from the eggs they are broken up into pieces. Splitting them ensures that the protein coat of the viruses is on display so that it can induce an immune response in humans. Antibodies are normally formed in the blood as a direct response to foreign protein particles. These protein particles will be similar to those present on a real live swine flu virus. Therefore a vaccine prepares the immune system for a possible invasion. Enabling the immune system to prepare is what makes a vaccine so powerful.

But manufacturers will be stretched to meet levels of demand that will very likely reach global proportions. Glaxo Smithkline have already admitted they will need to cut some corners to satisfy demands. They will be adding chemical agents called adjuvants to their vaccines to make them stretch a bit further. Adjuvants work by stimulating the immune system enabling them to make antibodies in the presence of reduced amounts of vaccine. It is risky because adjuvants may not be enough to prevent the need for a second dose of vaccine which may be needed to provide full immunity.

With resistance to Tamiflu and Relenza growing, vaccines are our only real hope against a global pandemic. Hopefully the pandemic will pass with just a few problems, but it may return later in the year in a more virulent form. Our only hope under such circumstances is the timely intervention of a good vaccine.

Reas Johnson is a microbiology student, who loves writing about popular health related issues. Social medical issues are often best looked at when you are properly informed. It's easy to misinform and scare those that are not been given the facts.

To learn more about swine flu go to:http://www.swine-flu-facts.info/
The original article is posted at: http://www.all-swine-flu-facts.blogspot.com/

Swine Flu Outbreak - Information For Parents and Child Care Providers

2009-06-15T11:22:00.000-05:00

With today's highly interconnected, globalized societies, it is inevitable that the spread of virus can lead to more severe results from country to country. In fact as of May 12, 5,000 cases of swine flu infection have been reported in 30 countries according to the World Health Organization. As healthy people are becoming highly susceptible to this pandemic virus, more so to young children who are more predominantly vulnerable to illnesses. With the growing number of infected people and death case because of the A (H1N1) virus, it is important that we protect children in child care centers, schools, and at home.

Symptoms of the flu include high fever, fatigue, coughing, sore throat, and runny nose. Some people can also experience stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Swine flu virus can be passed from person to person through coughing and sneezing of people with the virus. Also, people may get infected through touching surfaces contaminated with virus. Infected people can directly pass on virus to others one day before the symptoms appear and up to five days after getting sick. For children, the flu can be contagious for up to 10 days after the infection. In short, infected people with swine flu are contagious before and while they know they are sick.

There are two kinds of vaccine against influenza. The "flu shot," an inactivated vaccine, is given with a needle usually in the arm. It contains killed virus that can be injected to people six months or older, including healthy people and those with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. The "nasal-spray" flu vaccine on the other hand, contains live viruses and is given through nasal sprayer. I was approved in 2003 with other term as LAIV for Live Attenuated Influenza vaccine or FluMist®. It can be used by healthy people aged 2-49 who are not pregnant.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to get flu vaccinations as soon as vaccine becomes available in their community. More importantly, vaccination before December is highly recommended since this is the time when flu is commonly prevalent. However, flu season can begin as early as October and as late as May, so having vaccine right away can really provide protective benefit.

Children six months up to 9 years old should be vaccinated against influenza. Having received their first dose of vaccine, they still have to get second and third dose in the next two seasons. Once they get vaccinated, antibodies develop in their bodies in two weeks. For children younger than 9 years old who only get one flu vaccine, they still have to be vaccinated four or more weeks later. However, children who only had one dose could have no protection at all against the flu virus. They should be vaccinated at least two doses to maximize their protection from flu infection.

Aside from children, CDC also recommends that parents, child care providers, and other people who have direct contact with children get adequate flu vaccine to avoid flu infections affecting children.

Learn How To Start A Daycare Center, visit OwnADaycare.com.

What Makes Swine Flu So Dangerous?

2009-06-11T20:53:00.001-05:00

What makes swine flu so dangerous is that like all influenza viruses it undergoes the process of antigenic drift. This is when spot mutations occur on the genetic material that causes slight changes in the physical make-up of the virus.

These slight changes are what frustrate scientist's attempts to create the ultimate vaccination for influenza. Due to constant changes to the protein particles of the outer coats of viruses (which the immune system is targeted for during vaccination) new vaccines are always needed to combat ever new versions of the viruses.

Swine flu is an example of such a change. But what are these changes and what parts of the virus causes the damage that destroys normal healthy cells?

The H1N1 designation of the swine flu virus gives us a clue to the inner workings of the virus. It represents the major functional proteins on its surface.

The 'H' stands for hemagglutinin which is a protein that binds the swine flu virus to the cell and injects its content into it.

The 'N' stands for neuraminidase which possesses a number of specialized enzymes that causes the infected cells to release the newly formed viruses.

All these aspects of swine flu make it potentially very dangerous. Even though the form that is currently spreading is relatively mild it could still change into a virulent strain in the next few months before winter arrives. The fact that it's also a new disease means that there is no current vaccine for the virus. So if it becomes more deadly, we will have no protection against it except for those provided by generic anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza.

We know the devastation that influenza viruses can cause, the Spanish flu pandemic infected more than one third of the world's population and killed more than 50 million people.

We have no choice but to be vigilant in relation to the spread of swine flu. It is dangerous because it is so changeable and because of this we have to treat it extremely seriously.

To learn more about swine flu go to: http://www.swine-flu-facts.info/

Swine Flu - Symptoms and Aid

2009-06-03T21:25:00.001-05:00

In a world where a global economy is a given, where worldwide travel is routine, and borders are increasingly less defined, the recipe for a global pandemic is just right. All that is needed to bring humanity to its knees is the perfect disease. Historically, this "perfect disease" has been a particularly deadly version of the common flu. In 1918, a version of swine flu threatened to decimate humanity, killing somewhere between 50 and 100 million people, approximately one-third of our species. Today, fear of a similar global outbreak of swine flu is high; in order to sort everything out, here is a good introduction to the symptoms and possible aid of persons infected with swine flu.

As seen today, the dangerous variant of Influenza A Type-H1N1 swine flu is really not much different than any other flu that you may have had in the past. The big game changer is how our bodies react to the disease once it infects us: It is simply unable to deal with the symptoms. Our bodies generally have some resistance to the flu from infections that we have dealt with in the past or that our ancestors survived. This level of immunity helps our body to work against the symptoms that could kill us and helps fight off the flu. What results is a relatively mild flu that keeps us home sick for a few days. However, the H1N1 swine flu virus seen today is really a mix of swine, bird, and human influenza.

Swine flu is believed to be contracted through contact with an infected person. This type of influenza has been observed to readily spread from person to person. A person infected with H1N1 swine flu will not immediately notice any changes. Depending on the person's immune system, it could take 24 hours or more for him or her to start feeling the effects of the infection. These symptoms mirror the effects of the common flu, but are much more severe: body aches, headaches, fever, sore throats, coughing, chills, and fatigue are often present. Infected people with H1N1 flu are also highly likely to suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, and the associated dehydration. Although these effects are severe enough, the real killer comes from pulmonary edema, which is the filling of the lungs with fluid, which causes coughing. In the 1918 flu pandemic, victims literally drowned in their own body fluids. These symptoms take a toll on the body and can also aggravate existing conditions or allow new ones, such as tuberculosis or pneumonia, to take hold.

Luckily for us, it appears that swine flu may not be as deadly as originally believed. Modern medicine has played a key factor in the ability of most infected people in developed countries to make complete recoveries. Ensuring that an infected person is identified early and receives the proper care also seems to be important in ensuring survival. Anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza are currently highly effective at fighting off the H1N1 swine flu. It is also important to keep an infected person warm and well-hydrated, ensuring that they receive plenty of rest and are not stressed needlessly, as this helps his or her body to work against the infection and avoid complications such as dehydration. A full recovery is possible with proper treatment.

It is important for us to remember that we can take steps to prevent the spread of swine flu. Simple steps such as washing your hands and covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing do have a big effect on controlling the spread.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, avoid situations in which you could infect others and consult a doctor. It is better to be safe than sorry. Looking out for the symptoms of swine flu and seeking aid when needed can help keep you healthy.

You can always get updates about this disease and read about it at GlobeMe, The first global blog.

Swine Flu Facts - What the Media's Not Saying

2009-05-25T08:23:00.000-05:00

Here's what one Doctor In Texas has to say about the swine flu in a conversation with me.

Marc is a medical Doctor down in the San Marcos/New Braunfields (Texas) area and sent this out. Marc is a very intelligent and "with it" guy, he worked as a botanist for Pfizer in South America...then decided to become a doctor. I hope it helps answer some questions and it does have some good suggestions for alternative medications etc.

"After I returned from a public health meeting yesterday with community leaders and school officials in Comal County, Heather suggested I send an update to everyone, because what we are hearing privately from the CDC and Health Department is so different from what you are hearing in the media. Some of you know some or maybe all of this, but I will just list what facts I know.

- The virus is infectious for about 2 days prior to symptom onset

- Virus sheds more than 7 days after symptom onset (possibly as long as 9 days) (this is unusual)

- Since it is such a novel (new) virus, there is no "herd immunity," so the "attack rate" is
very high.

This is the percentage of people who come down with a virus if exposed. Almost everyone who is exposed to this virus will become infected, though not all will be symptomatc. That is much higher than seasonal flu, which averages 10-15%. The "clinical attack rate" may be around 40-50%. This is the number of people who show symptoms. This is a huge number. It is hard to convey the
seriousness of this.

- The virulence (deadliness) of this virus is as bad here as in Mexico, and there are folks on ventilators here in the US, right now.

This has not been in the media, but a 23 month old near here is fighting for his life, and a pregnant woman just south of San Antonio is fighting for her life. In Mexico, these folks might have died already, but here in the US, folks are getting Tamiflu or Relenza quickly, and we have ready access to ventilators. What this means is that within a couple of weeks, regional hospitals will likely become overwhelmed.

- Some of the kids with positive cases in Comal County had more than 70 contacts before diagnosis.

- There are 10-25 times more actual cases (not "possible" cases - actual), than what is being
reported in the media.

The way they fudge on reporting this is that it takes 3 days to get the confirmatory nod from the CDC on a given viral culture, but based on epidemiological grounds, we know that there are more than 10 cases for each "confirmed" case right now.

- During the night, we crossed the threshold for the definition of a WHO, Phase 6 global pandemic. This has not happened in any of our lifetimes so far. We are in uncharted territory.

- I expect President Obama will declare an emergency sometime in the next 72-96 hours. This may not happen, but if it doesn't, I will be surprised. When this happens, all public gathering will be cancelled for 10 days.

- I suggest all of us avoid public gatherings. Outdoor activities are not as likely to lead to infection. It is
contained areas and close contact that are the biggest risk.

- Tamiflu is running out. There is a national stockpile, but it will have to be carefully managed, as it is not
enough to treat the likely number of infections when this is full-blown.

I don't think there is a big supply of Relenza, but I do not know those numbers. If I had to choose, I would take Relenza, as I think it gets more drug to the affected tissue than Tamiflu.

- You should avoid going to the ER if you think you have been exposed or are symptomatic. ER's south of here are becoming overwhelmed - and I mean that - already. It is coming in waves, but the waves are getting bigger.

- It appears that this flu produces a distinctive "hoarseness" in many victims. The symptoms, in
general, match other flu's; namely, sore throat, body aches, headache, cough, and fever. Some have all these symptoms, while others may have only one or two.

- N-Acetyl-Cysteine - a nutritional supplement available at the health food store or Wimberley Pharmacy, has been shown to prevent or lessen the severity of influenza. I suggest 1200mg, twice a day for adults, and 600mg twice a day in kids over 12. It would be hard to get kids under 12 to take it, but you could try opening the capsules and putting it on yogurt. For 40 pounds and up, 300-600 mg twice
a day, for less than 40 pounds, half that.

- Oscillococinum, a homeopathic remedy, has been vindicated as quite effective in a large clinical trial in Europe, with an H1N1 variant. You can buy this at Hill Country Natural Foods, or the Wimberley Pharmacy.

I will try to keep everyone posted if I have any new information.

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No Swine Flu Vaccine? - Try Immune Boosting Foods and Other Strategies

2009-05-18T19:16:00.000-05:00

You can't turn on the television and not hear about the swine flu. A vaccine may be months away; besides, there are still some who prefer not to be vaccinated.

The idea behind vaccines is to confer immunity to a specific virus. Since this is not an option, why not take steps to improve general immunity. We hear that half of Europe died during the Bubonic Plague in the 14th century. That means that the other half didn't die-better immunity.

We use language like, "I caught a cold," or "I caught the flu". It makes it sound like the virus has moves like LeBron James. It fakes left, spins right and slam dunks into you. But we know that even in a pandemic, not everyone gets sick.

So you want to enhance your immune system as much as possible. First do all the things your mother told you: wash your hands before eating, eat a good diet, and get plenty of rest. Stress really puts a strain on the immune system and can increase your chances of getting sick. Researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Iowa and reported in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine (May, 2001). According to the article, those who reported having a lot of pain and stress were more likely to become sick that those who claimed to have only a little pain and stress. It is reasonable to expect that other stressful procedures may hamper immune function.

Diet is very important. Sugar and refined flour products stress the immune system. Similarly, hydrogenated oils and deep-fried foods should be avoided. Fresh, brightly colored produce will help to boost your immune system. Fresh produce is high in vitamin C. The bright color in plant foods is from carotenes and bioflavonoids. These are powerful antioxidants that will help to protect your cells. The carotenes are precursors to vitamin A.

Also, supplementation often helps with immunity: Vitamin C is antiviral and antioxidant. It protects your cells from chemical stress and from viruses. Vitamin A is a much neglected immune support nutrient. Research shows that chemical exposure, and bacterial and viral exposure reduces vitamin A levels (get professional help before taking vitamin A, because too much of it can be toxic). Arabinogalactan can be purchased as a powder. They exist in high amounts in herbs that boost the immune system like: Echinacea purpurea, Baptisia tinctoria, Thuja occidentalis, Angelica acutiloba and Curcuma longa. In short, it is found in herbs that boost the immune system.

The idea is to improve your body's infrastructure. Fortify your immune system and the chances of getting sick decrease.

Dr. Paul Varnas, DC, DACBN is a practicing Chiropractor and Natural Health provider in the Chicago, Illinois area. Dr. Varnas is also a published author, entrepreneur and public speaker promoting the benefits of natural healthcare and whole body wellness throughout the country. His Whole Health America organization provides a variety of information and value added services to natural care practitioners everywhere.

For more information on Dr. Paul Varnas, please call 630-993-0007, or visit http://www.wholehealthweb.com

Swine Flu - Symptoms and Prevention

2009-05-14T06:17:00.000-05:00

Swine flu -- it's all over the media. What is it? What can I do? And how worried should I be? These are the questions I ask myself, especially as a mother. At some level, we all know that becoming riddled with fear doesn't help. So let's take action where we can. Be cautious where necessary and get the relevant information we need.

Let's first define swine flu. The name itself is horrible -- a visual image of filthy pigs wallowing in murky muck. And that image isn't too far off from its origins. So maybe the swine aren't bathing in muddy waters but this type of influenza is a contagious respiratory virus that affects pigs.

So why is it spreading to more humans now? In the past there have been limited instances where the virus has spread to people, but it had never gone beyond three people. As of right now, scientists aren't sure how some cases have occurred without any contact to pigs.

What are the symptoms? They're similar to flu-like symptoms: high fever and chills, lethargy, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, lack of appetite, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, and headaches.

How does it spread? The same way the flu does. A person is put at risk two ways: If an infected person coughs or sneezes on them, or if they touch something that has the flu virus on it and then they touch their mouth, nose or eyes. However, what makes it sometimes difficult to prevent is that an infected person can pass the virus along even before any symptoms develop. But there are precautions that we can take.

What precautions can we take to help prevent the spread of the virus?

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the Kleenex into the garbage.
Wash, wash, wash. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze and before eating. Hand sanitizers that are alcohol-based can also effective.
Germs spread by touching your eyes, nose or mouth so avoid this.
If you think you're sick, avoid any close contact such as hugging, kissing and even shaking hands.

Watch for signs and symptoms in you and members of your family. The first few days are when the virus is most contagious so keep your children home if these symptoms exhibit themselves or stay home from work.

Can swine flu be fatal? We've already heard of some fatalities but we also need to think of statistics -- mainly stratified statistics. These deaths -- like many flu deaths -- are most likely people with already compromised immune systems, such as infants and the elderly. If we look at the statistics in a generally healthy population, the numbers may be virtually nil.

Are there any vaccines or medicines available to treat the swine flu? As of now, there aren't any vaccines available but we can still take those preventative measure listed above. And if infected, the CDC recommends anti-viral medications so that the virus can't reproduce inside the body.

Let's live in the present and use wisdom with our choices, eliminating fear and encouraging awareness.

Jaycee Fox writes on subjects with the goal of achieving a healthy and balanced life.
Jaycee is also a fiction writer where she aims to incorporate relevant messages into her stories.
She has a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters degree in Statistics. Jaycee runs a resource site for women -- all about balanced living -- at http://www.jayceeliving.com

The New Swine Flu - Why Are Younger Adults Dying?

2009-05-10T10:55:00.000-05:00

Up to this point most deaths from the new swine flu have occurred in Mexico, striking indiscriminately at young and old. What alarms health officials is the ability of this flu to kill seemingly healthy young adults, which is a prerequisite for a pandemic. I have received a number of questions from concerned individuals wondering if boosting their immune system would make them more susceptible to a problem, a question I will cover in detail.

First, let's put what we do know in perspective. Many of the Mexicans who have died are lower income individuals living in unsanitary and crowded conditions which are ideal breeding grounds for germs. It has been reported that they cannot afford to take time off work to seek medical care. Their diets are often lacking in key nutrients that would help the immune system behave normally. Nevertheless, there is still serious and legitimate concern that young adults can be killed by this flu.

The first death in the U.S. occurred in a 23-month-old Mexican infant who was in Texas at the time of outbreak. What has concerned health authorities here is that they were unable to save the child despite the use of anti-viral drugs, breathing assistance, and the best care that could be mustered.

The flu pandemic of 1918, also a swine flu, struck many young adults. Only recently did scientists figure out that this earlier swine flu was able to hijack the host's own immune response and ramp up the inflammatory aspect of that immune response and thereby increase its level of attack in a healthy person.

It is important to understand that your immune system is not just one type of response, it is many. If you get the flu you absolutely must have the energy and nutrition to be able to make antibodies. The speed and efficiency you can do this will determine the severity of infection and your odds of survival.

For example, in cases where humans contracted the bird flu in Asia, if they began making enough antibodies to the infection by day 7 they lived, if they didn't start mounting an effective response by day 9 they died. This pattern appears similar to the current reports of people dying in Mexico - by the 9th day of a significant battle it is too late unless your own immune system has kicked into gear. In this context you must have the nutritional horsepower to fuel antibody production or you could be in for a very unpleasant experience.

Another aspect of your immune response is its initial inflammatory reaction - which is of course normal. This is one aspect of immunity that occurs before antibodies are made, and is part of the process that leads to antibodies being made. It is possible for a younger or healthier person to have a more exaggerated inflammation response than an elderly person, infant, or person with compromised immunity. In this scenario, inflammatory cytokines may become their own problem - think of this as a "cytokine storm." This was the case with the similar flu in 1918.

This problem does not mean that you should not attempt to naturally boost your immune system. It does mean that you should use nutrients as part of your immune support protocol that reduce inflammation so as to help "put a lid" on how much inflammation is generated. The single best nutrient for this is quercetin, which has been proven to help prevent the flu. However, there are many nutrients that are anti-inflammatory in nature and any of them would be helpful, including the fresh fruit and vegetables that should be part of your diet.

It is also important to understand that a younger adult who is stressed out, not sleeping enough, eating poorly, is too anxious or wound up, and is in a general trend of wear and tear has already primed the inflammatory pump. This means that a flu entering into such a person is much more likely to have a magnified inflammatory response because this person's anti-inflammatory and relaxation reserves are already running on empty.

During the time of a potential flu pandemic the last thing you want to do is let yourself get worn down. Besides lifestyle management, any nutrients that help you sleep better, feel calmer, or manage stress better will also help your immune system not hyper-react to a problem.

While this may seem like common sense, there are many people out there who are generally healthy but are running their bodies into the ground trying to get things done. This is definitely a time to re-evaluate your priorities as doing so can put you into a high risk category if this flu begins to spread.

In my recent article, Tips for the Flu Season, I have given a thorough review of nutrition that can help you effectively boost and support your own immune system. You need to be able to make immune troops on demand, have them well armed, while at the same time minimizing the inflammatory aspect of fighting a bug. Of course, if you do develop a problem seek medical care.

What you need to know - Swine Flu Podcast & Articles
Byron J. Richards, Founder/Director of Wellness Resources, Inc, is a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a world renowned natural health expert. Richards is the first to explain the relevance of leptin and its link to solving obesity.

Swine Flu: First U.S Citizen Dies From Swine Flu

2009-05-06T08:13:00.002-05:00

This week should have been a joyous time for Judy Trunnell, a 33-year-old schoolteacher who had just given birth to a healthy baby girl.

But the friends and relatives whose cars lined the quiet street in front of her home in a quiet subdivision Tuesday instead were mourning her, the first American with swine flu to die.

"We're grieving now," said a woman with tear-streaked eyes who declined to give her name.

In Maryland, her cousin told WMAR-TV in Baltimore that Trunnell had died after spending two weeks in the hospital. She slipped into a coma, and her baby was delivered by Cesarean section, Mario Zamora said.

"She was just a beautiful person, warm at heart. She worked with disabled children as a teacher," Zamora said. "Those that knew her will always remember her."

Texas health officials stopped short of saying that swine flu caused Trunnell's death. State health department spokeswoman Carrie Williams said the schoolteacher had "chronic underlying health conditions" but wouldn't give any more details.

She died early Tuesday after being hospitalized since April 19, said Leonel Lopez, Cameron County epidemiologist.

Trunnell's death came as life in the areas hardest hit by the outbreak began returning to normal. In Mexico, where the current strain is thought to have originated, stores, restaurants and factories were officially allowed to reopen Tuesday. And U.S. health officials withdrew their recommendation that schools with suspected swine flu cases shut down for two weeks.

The only other swine flu death in the U.S. was that of a Mexico City toddler who also had other health problems and had been visiting relatives in Brownsville, near Harlingen. He died last week at a Houston children's hospital.

There have been 29 other confirmed swine flu deaths, all in Mexico. Hundreds of cases of the disease have been confirmed in several countries, but mostly in Mexico and the U.S.

Trunnell was from Harlingen, a city of about 63,000 near the U.S.-Mexico border, and taught in the Mercedes Independent School District about 15 miles west of her hometown.

She was first seen by a physician April 14 and was hospitalized on the April 19. Zamora said she had complained of difficulty breathing and was put on life support.

Doctors knew she had a flu when she came in, but did not know what kind, Lopez said. The area is undergoing a Type A influenza epidemic right now, and swine flu is one variety of that, he said. She was confirmed to have swine flu shortly before she died, he said.

Dr. Joseph McCormick, regional dean of the University of Texas School of Public Health's Brownsville campus, said the woman was extremely ill when she was hospitalized.

Mercedes school district officials announced that it would close its schools for the rest of the week and reopen Monday.

Associated Press writers Alicia A. Caldwell in El Paso and Jamie Stengle in Dallas contributed to this report.

Swine Flu: Six Tips For the Prevention of Swine Flu

2009-05-05T05:45:00.002-05:00

The swine flu news is catching on the spotlight everyday in newspaper. With the current economy situation, this form of influenza spreading is definitely hitting more woes on the already bleak scene.

What is swine flu? According to the Wikipedia, it is a respiratory disease affecting pigs that is caused by type A influenza virus. But the underlying virus strain, H1N1, has mutated and now contains genetic material from swine, avian and human strains. Some scientists say that it is wrong to label it swine flu because of this mix. So just how deadly is it? This is the first time such a strain has surfaced, which means it is unclear how lethal it is. While there have been more than 100 deaths in Mexico, the victims in the United States have recovered. Also, most of those infected had no contact with live pigs, which indicates that people-to-people transmission is taking place rapidly. Like regular flu, swine flu spreads by touching infected objects and then touching the mouth or nose, and through coughing or sneezing. Note that It does not spread like the Sars virus, i.e. when a patient is most infectious four or five days after symptoms show, the swine flu virus can be transmitted by an infected person even before he shows any symptoms. One in three does not have symptoms at all. Because of this, it is possible for an infected person to cross into countries. This means it can spread and become a pandemic. No joke on this as when outbreak occurs, most people will have no immunity to the virus and many people will die. Economic and social disruption will be great.

Currently, health authorities said two drugs commonly used to treat flu - oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamirvir (relenza), seem to be effective at treating cases that have occurred so far. But the drugs must be given at an early stage. An infected person should recover if treated within 48 hours with antiviral drugs. The best way to contain the spread until it dies down is to see a doctor when symptoms show up and to practice good personal hygiene.

As a mother of two, I am really concern if the virus would reach schools which my children attend. I have tried to gather all information on the web and compiling it here to help all especially parents understand this type of influenza strain here. First of all, protect yourself and your loved ones by knowing the symptoms of Swine Flu:

High fever (above 38°C)
Chills, body aches, sore throat
Cough
Runny Nose
Headache
Patients may experience breathlessness a few days later

See a doctor immediately if you have any symptoms above.

Having said all these, what can you do to prevent Swine Flu? I have 6 Tips for you

Maintain high personal hygiene standards. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and wash hands immediately after; use a tissue when possible and dispose of it promptly. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the risk of the virus spreading from your hands to your face or to other people. Educate your children to observe all these points.
Avoid crowded areas and maintain good ventilation to reduce contact with viruses.
Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth if you are caring for someone with a flu-like illness, or if you are ill yourself. This will reduce the risk of transmission.
Avoid visiting patients in hospitals. Their immune systems are already weak. Avoid contact with person having symptoms of influenza.
Monitor temperature regularly and see doctors immediately if you suspect you're suffering from fever or flu. If you leave the house, wear a mask.
Maintain good body resistance through a balanced diet, regular exercise and sufficient rest; as well as minimizing stress and smoking.

We should exercise social responsibility to prevent the spread of this virus. If you are back from trips to affected countries like Mexico.

Be responsible. Place yourself on self quarantine. You should stay at home and avoid crowded places for at least seven days, even if you do not have flu symptoms. You should know within this seven days period if you have the virus.
If you suspect you have swine flu, see a doctor immediately and inform the doctor that you have recently been to areas with cases of swine flu.
Don't take Tamiflu. You should not take Tamiflu when you are healthly. Taking Tamiflu when you are healthy will hurt your chances of being cured if you are sick, as it causes the virus to be resistant to the medication. Tamiflu is not a vaccine.

This is an article by Lucy Casily.
For more information, and to shop through products for the prevention of Swine Flu check out my shop at http://www.GetSwineFluMask.com.

Swine Flu: Allergies and Asthma Concerns

2009-05-03T07:10:00.002-05:00

People with Allergies and Asthma must be extremely careful about contacting Swine Flu due to their lowered Immune System Response that they have. I have been warning my clients to take special precautions about this epidemic due to their lowered Immune System Response to illnesses. It is important that they contact their Doctor immediately if they feel they have been in contact with someone with Swine Flu. Most of my clients are already telling me they are avoiding physical contact with other people temporarily such as not shaking hands.

According to the CDC, it is a lung virus that causes symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, and can also bring on muscle and joint aches, headaches, and even diarrhea and vomiting. Some of these symptoms are very similar to my clients who have Fibromyalgia. The symptoms of Fibromyalgia are muscle and joint aches and headaches. It is important that they understand they might have Swine Flu besides the Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia symptoms can make You hurt all over and feel exhausted. The Doctors have a hard time diagnosing this illness because there is no specific test to identify it yet. We can only wait till Drug Companies develop some type of test in the future. The sad part is, your Doctor can't find anything specifically wrong with you. If this sounds familiar, you could have Fibromyalgia. My clients describe it as a chronic condition with widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points that are sore to any pressure.

Swine Flu is presently affecting people in Mexico, New Zealand and the United States. There are reported cases in California, Kansas and Texas and New York. There are a few reported case in Europe that are being monitored. Individuals with Asthma and Allergies should take special precautions to avoid individuals with flu like symptoms temporarily till the epidemic passes due to their lowered Immune System Response.

I remember the Swine Flu Epidemic in 1976 when we were told to get vaccinations for it. That really dates me. All of us, my wife and three daughters got the vaccinations then. We never did get it so I guess it worked at that time. The same fears that are in the news today, such "public health emergency of international concern","Pandemic Threat" and "Fears of a Lethal Pandemic" were in the news in 1976 also. I guess if we live long enough there probably be another Swine Flu Epidemic in another 30 years.

In conclusion, people with Asthma and Allergies should take special precautions to avoid contact with Swine Flu due to their lowered Immune System Response. Some of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia are similar to flu-like symptoms and need to be monitored by a Doctor if you feel you have contacted Swine Flu. This is not in any way medical advice, if you feel that you have any of the above symptoms, contact your Doctor immediately for treatment.

If you have any questions about Indoor Air Quality, Asthma, Mold or Allergies, please phone us or visit our website.

To learn more about your home, visit our website at http://www.safe-homes.com or http://www.air-testing.com

Mr. Art Emiss is available as a professional speaker to help educate your community or group function on Asthma, Allergies and the Chemically Injured.

Swine Flu Updates: Avoiding The Swine Flu

2009-05-01T11:57:00.000-05:00

Although this new strain of swine flu that is currently making rounds in Mexico and around the world is simply another strain of influenza, due to its ability to easily affect anyone it comes in contact with caution should be taken to avoid becoming sick with swine flu. If you have children, are particularly susceptible to colds and flu, or have any kind of immune problems then you should certainly do everything you can to no come down with swine flu.

Here are a few things you can do to keep from getting the swine flu:

1) Avoid public places: schools, churches, and public transportation are places where people are in continuous close contact, making it the perfect place for illnesses like the swine flu to multiply.

2) Wash and disinfect: wash your hands anytime you come into contact with someone else, as well as before and after you eat. Buy some Lysol disinfectant and use it on your doorknobs, counters and anywhere you touch regularly.

3) Avoid sick people: stay away from anyone who is showing flu symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or fever.

4) Stay home: while this may not be an option for most people, the more you avoid contact with others the better chance you have of not picking up the flu. Try heading to public places (like the grocery store) when they are less busy, and take this opportunity to catch up on some housework or home improvement.

5) Be prepared: pick up some Tamiflu and enough food to last a few days, including lots of juice in case you get sick. Locate your nearest emergency center and pay attention to public announcements about the swine flu.

6) Get a mask: wearing an approved filter mask can prevent the transmission of the swine flu from one person to another. Consider getting one to wear if you need to head out to a public area where the flu can spread easily.

For most people who get the swine flu they will simply have a few days of flu like symptoms, however it is important to keep an eye out for more serious symptoms such as a high fever, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness. With some precautions we can avoid the spread of swine flu.

Learn how to make money working from home as a freelance writer, visit http://workathomemom-angelaheidt.blogspot.com

Swine Flu - Should You Be Worried?

2009-04-30T15:30:00.001-05:00

By now you've all heard of the swine flu outbreak that has started to spread around the world. To date there have only been a handful of cases in the United States and all have resolved without the use of any medication; however, there have been a few hundred cases in Mexico that unfortunately have been deadly. As seen in previous deadly outbreaks and what makes this swine flu even more ominous is that those killed ranged in ages from 20-50, a typically healthy age group. Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently raised its worldwide "alert level," which it has not done since the Hong Kong pandemic in 1968, where nearly one million people died. Is this recent swine flu something that you need to be worried about? How can you protect yourself and your family?

Swine Flu vs. Seasonal Flu

Normally swine flu, as the name implies, only affects pigs. This virus, however, it seems has recently changed from its original form and therefore has "jumped" from pigs to humans. What makes this virus, named H1N1, particularly different and potentially dangerous is that it can spread from human to human.

Seasonal flu occurs every year, usually during the "cold and flu season" that usually lasts from December to March. The 2008-2009 flu season was a mild one, but like each year, it is estimated that between 250,000 to 500,000 people died from seasonal flu. What is different and worries health officials about H1N1 is that it seems to spread from human to human more quickly and easily than typical seasonal flu and because this swine flu mutated so quickly, there is no vaccine for it.

What to Watch Out for

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Also, if you or someone you know have these symptoms and have traveled to San Diego County or Imperial County, California or San Antonio, Texas within 7 days prior to the illness onset, there is reason for concern. If you have any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to get checked by your doctor, where a nasal respiratory swab will help confirm or deny a diagnosis.

Prevention Possible

Current public health officials have recommended healthy hygiene practices to avoid the spread of swine flu. Washing of hands, getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of fluids and eating healthy foods are great places to start. Obviously, avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick is a no-brainer. Some research suggests that zinc and selenium might improve your body's natural antibody response to the flu while the use of a Neti pot (nasal irrigation) prevents the virus from "setting up shop" in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Treatment After Infection?

Luckily there are plenty of things we can do to help those who unfortunately become ill. Conventionally, we know that H1N1 can be controlled with Tamiflu and/or Relenza. In addition, high doses of vitamin C, typically given intravenously, along with hydrogen peroxide can help get the virus under control.

It is yet to be determined if this current outbreak of swine flu will be as dangerous as some health officials are predicting. In the mean time, taking the appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family with a healthy dose of prevention is a great place to start.

Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Phil Wazny, NMD is a naturopathic physician at Integrative Health Care, a "Results Based Natural Medicine" Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. He created several dynamic programs designed to help patients gain strength while reducing their rate of debilitating conditions like cancer and heart disease. His areas of specialty are permanent weight loss, natural pediatrics, allergy solutions, hormone balancing and pain relief with prolotherapy and PRP therapy. He can be reached at http://www.integrativehealthcare.com and 480-657-0003.

Swine Flu News: Avoiding the Swine Flu

2009-04-30T06:01:00.002-05:00

3) Avoid sick people: stay away from anyone who is showing flu symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or fever.

Learn how to make money working from home as a freelance writer, visit http://workathomemom-angelaheidt.blogspot.com/

Swine Flu Pandemic 2009: Immunity Boosting, Prevention, and Homeopathic Remedies

2009-04-29T15:02:00.002-05:00

Typically the flu season begins and ends with the winter season. However, as we are all aware, the spring of 2009 has very different ideas! A rare and "baffling" flu virus is rapidly wreaking havoc in Mexico, with over 103 confirmed deaths as of Monday, April 27, 2009. In addition, this flu virus is not only spreading in the United States, but all over the world!

It would behoove each and every individual to take major and immediate precautions to avoid
contracting this virulent strain of flu. Why? Listen to this quote from the Arizona Star published
April 24, 2009: "Health officials are investigating a never-before-seen form of the flu that
combines pig, bird and human viruses." Another anomaly to this virus is it seems to be attacking
victims which are not the typical "at-risk" groups susceptible to a flu virus. Instead of the
elderly, very young, or those with compromised immune systems, victims are often young adults and in good health!

A key feature to a flu virus is its propensity to change and mutate from year to year. This
requires various vaccines to match the particular flu outbreak. In the case of this particular flu
virus, there is a major problem...it is a "never-before-seen" flu virus! Please pay close
attention to this direct quote from Dr. John Carlo, the Dallas County Medical Director: "This
strain of swine influenza that's been cultured in a laboratory is something that's not been
seen anywhere in the United States or in the world, so this is actually a new strain of influenza
that's been identified."

So what immediate and deliberate steps should you and your family take right now? According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), there are steps which can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the flu virus. Here are some recommendations:

1. Keep your distance from and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid public

places.

2. If you are sick, stay home.

3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and turn your head away from people when you cough or

sneeze.

4. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands often.

5. Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.

6. Keep your immune system healthy, get plenty of sleep, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and keep stress levels to a minimum.
In addition to these recommendations, there is another proactive program you must start to employ today!!! According to an article by Michele Carelse found on the Native Remedies website, "Herbalists and Naturopaths have had thousands of years experience in treating people with influenza and boosting immune functioning. There are some excellent herbal alternatives to the pharmaceutical anti-viral drugs which have been recommended by the CDC and World Health Organization." Due to the fact there is probably no adequate vaccine for this new flu virus, an avenue you must consider is a preventative one. Eating well, drinking water, getting required sleep, etc., are all steps you can start immediately. In addition, to help boost your immune system, relieve stress, and detoxify your body if you have not been living a healthy lifestyle, you need a source for herbal alternatives, homeopathic remedies, and natural cures. This truly is a matter of life and death! Please follow the links provided below to discover an excellent source for herbal supplements, natural alternative health methods, and other influenza prevention methods.

About the Author:
C.L. Carr is a certified Health and Wellness Instructor, with a Master's Degree in Health and Physical Education, who advocates alternative health care and prevention. For more information on this and other topics, please visit http://emergencyfoodpreservation.blogspot.com/ or http://survivalcentral.blogspot.com/

Swine Flu Outbreak - How to Prepare For a Swine Flu Pandemic

2009-04-29T11:26:00.000-05:00

The government has issued several reports and guidelines to help families prepare for a swine flu pandemic, should it happen. They are recommending stocking up on supplies such as hand sanitizers, masks, vaccinations, emergency food reserves, etc.

Coupled with everything that seems to be on the horizon as far as a coming food shortage, and emergency situations, it does make sense to prepare ourselves or at least have an emergency preparedness plan that is in place.

When an outbreak like Swine or Asian flu hits, a whole city can be quarantined for several weeks, and many of us will be quite relieved if we have enough food laid up to last through that.'

During a pandemic, what often happens is that there is a rush for emergency supplies, which quickly vaporizes them. And usually the civilian or government supplies are only for a short term and remaining reserves are distributed quickly.

They HIGHLY recommend stocking up on emergency items NOW before panic buying occurs and the "breakout" announcement is made on the 6 o'clock News.

If there is, in fact, a Swine Flu outbreak, the demand will be huge for things like food reserves, breathing masks, etc...

Symptoms of Swine or Asian Flu include:

fever
cough,
sore throat
muscle aches
eye infections
pneumonia
severe respiratory diseases

The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on which specific virus subtype and strain caused the infection.

As with anything that happens in life, do not panic! Simply prepare for the worst and the worst case scenario is that you will have emergency supplies on hand for come what may, for the next 30 years!

PREPARE NOW while time is still on your side and you can get the preparedness supplies you and your family need, and you will never HAVE the need to panic!

Visit our Survival Skills website for more emergency related articles. And visit our site about Swine Flu to learn how you can prepare for anything, come what may!

Swine Flu Virus in Mexico City is Serious to the United States

2009-04-29T06:38:00.000-05:00

As if Mexico City did not have enough problems with the water shortages, riots and the drug cartel wars, now they have to deal with Swine flu (H1N1virus), which has already caused 200 deaths. Mexico City officials closed down the schools, hospitals, and libraries, as well as cancelled some 1000 public events.

If this Swine Flu continues it will close more businesses and government agencies, there is no choice, but to try to prevent it from spreading. If it gets much worse it could cause massive hysteria in the street and perhaps a mass exodus of city. The officials are trying to prevent panic, but many are leaving the city already.

The first week of the swine flu was discovered 20 people had died, and if it spreads it will also wind up in the United States. In fact there have been cases already in Los Angeles, Houston, San Antonio, Kansas, and New York. Luckily, Roche Industries company, told the media that Tamiflu does prevent it, so expect sales to skyrocket and expect them to run out.

Global health officials at the World Health Organization are very concerned so is the United States CDC, which has sent people to Mexico City to help the Mexican government. Mexico City is one of the worst cities to have a breakout because it' has such a dense population.

As you'll recall a few years ago scientists and health officials at the WHO were worried about bird flu, of course this is just as bad because it is amongst the family of influenza flu, and so far 10% of the people that have gotten it have died said one official. This is very serious.

Lance Winslow enjoys community philanthropy - Lance Winslow likes small business. Lance Winslow has also been involved in the Oil Industry; http://www.oilchangeguys.com/aboutus.shtml/.

Key Facts About Swine Flu

2009-04-28T14:24:00.003-05:00

Swine Flu

What is Swine Influenza?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

How many swine flu viruses are there?
Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

Swine Flu in Humans

Can humans catch swine flu?
Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. For example, an outbreak of apparent swine flu infection in pigs in Wisconsin in 1988 resulted in multiple human infections, and, although no community outbreak resulted, there was antibody evidence of virus transmission from the patient to health care workers who had close contact with the patient.

How common is swine flu infection in humans?
In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human swine influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza have been reported.

What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

How does swine flu spread?
Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What do we know about human-to-human spread of swine flu?
In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman was hospitalized for pneumonia and died 8 days later. A swine H1N1 flu virus was detected. Four days before getting sick, the patient visited a county fair swine exhibition where there was widespread influenza-like illness among the swine.

In follow-up studies, 76% of swine exhibitors tested had antibody evidence of swine flu infection but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggest that one to three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection.

How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed?
To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.

What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans?
There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.

What other examples of swine flu outbreaks are there?
Probably the most well known is an outbreak of swine flu among soldiers in Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1976. The virus caused disease with x-ray evidence of pneumonia in at least 4 soldiers and 1 death; all of these patients had previously been healthy. The virus was transmitted to close contacts in a basic training environment, with limited transmission outside the basic training group. The virus is thought to have circulated for a month and disappeared. The source of the virus, the exact time of its introduction into Fort Dix, and factors limiting its spread and duration are unknown. The Fort Dix outbreak may have been caused by introduction of an animal virus into a stressed human population in close contact in crowded facilities during the winter. The swine influenza A virus collected from a Fort Dix soldier was named A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1).

Is the H1N1 swine flu virus the same as human H1N1 viruses?
No. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses.

Swine Flu in Pigs

How does swine flu spread among pigs?
Swine flu viruses are thought to be spread mostly through close contact among pigs and possibly from contaminated objects moving between infected and uninfected pigs. Herds with continuous swine flu infections and herds that are vaccinated against swine flu may have sporadic disease, or may show only mild or no symptoms of infection.

What are signs of swine flu in pigs?
Signs of swine flu in pigs can include sudden onset of fever, depression, coughing (barking), discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, eye redness or inflammation, and going off feed.

How common is swine flu among pigs?
H1N1 and H3N2 swine flu viruses are endemic among pig populations in the United States and something that the industry deals with routinely. Outbreaks among pigs normally occur in colder weather months (late fall and winter) and sometimes with the introduction of new pigs into susceptible herds. Studies have shown that the swine flu H1N1 is common throughout pig populations worldwide, with 25 percent of animals showing antibody evidence of infection. In the U.S. studies have shown that 30 percent of the pig population has antibody evidence of having had H1N1 infection. More specifically, 51 percent of pigs in the north-central U.S. have been shown to have antibody evidence of infection with swine H1N1. Human infections with swine flu H1N1 viruses are rare. There is currently no way to differentiate antibody produced in response to flu vaccination in pigs from antibody made in response to pig infections with swine H1N1 influenza.

While H1N1 swine viruses have been known to circulate among pig populations since at least 1930, H3N2 influenza viruses did not begin circulating among US pigs until 1998. The H3N2 viruses initially were introduced into the pig population from humans. The current swine flu H3N2 viruses are closely related to human H3N2 viruses.

Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.

From the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention