Updated:Jan 18, 2010

Brisbane,  Australian city will be hosting International Conference on Mechanisms of Action of Nutraceuticals (ICMAN5). It’s expected that more than 400 delegates will convene at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Center on October 13-15, 2011, to take part in this premier complementary medicines conference, what has become a key event in the international nutraceutical and complementary medicines industry calendar.

http://www.biospectrumasia.com/Content/180110AUS11810.asp

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. Evidence suggests that the Influenza A(H1N1) virus is mainly transmitted from human to human via respiratory droplets expelled when speaking, sneezing and coughing. The typical symptoms of swine flu are:-

• a sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38°C/100.4°F or above), and
• a sudden cough.

Other symptoms may include:

• headache,
• tiredness, 
• chills,
• aching muscles,
• limb or joint pain,
• diarrhoea or stomach upset,
• sore throat,
• runny nose,
• sneezing, or
• loss of appetite.

It is vital that people in the higher-risk groups who catch swine flu should be identified for immediate treatment. People at  higher-risk includes those with:

• chronic (long-term) lung disease,
• chronic heart disease,
• chronic kidney disease,
• chronic liver disease,
• chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease),
• immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment) or
• diabetes mellitus.

Others are: 

• patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years,
• pregnant women,
• people aged 65 and older, and
• young children under five.

Management

Antiviral Treatment

Empiric antiviral treatment is recommended for any ill person suspected to have swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. Antiviral treatment with either zanamivir alone or with a combination of oseltamivir and either amantadine or rimantadine should be initiated as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Recommended duration of treatment is five days.

Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda recommends range of herbal and herbomineral concoctions for control of Flu like symptoms. Tulsi being one of the well researched herb has proven antiviral properties. It is more effective when taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach helps relieve flu like symptoms. With its Immunomodulator properties, it helps increase the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of getting infected with flu.

Similarly other Ayurvedic medicinal herbs like ashwagandha, guduchi, bhumiamalaki and amla can help boost one’s overall body defence mechanism. These herbs have been tested over the years and well researched for their efficacy as potent antioxidant or antivirals. These natural safeguards not only help in treating the symptoms, besides working on prevention too.

Diseases repeat with era’s and decades- Health for All- Ayurveda to the rescue.