Swine Flu: Symptoms, Prevention, Diet & Treatment

Over 11,000 swine flu cases have been reported in India in the last few months, with the death toll mounting to 703. While the Drug Controller General of India is scrambling to plug the swine-flu drug shortage, prevention and early detection of symptoms seems to be the best way to manage this contagious disease. Read on to find out all about swine flu, its symptoms, diet, prevention and treatment.
What does H1N1 stand for?
H – Hemagglutinin
N – Neuraminidase
1 – their antibody type
Swine flu is also known as as swine influenza, pig influenza, hog flu and H1N1 flu. As the name suggests, it affects pigs and humans.
It is a respiratory disease that is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract of pigs. It is rare for human beings to get infected by pigs, but if it happens then it can be contagious and grave.
Tips to prevent swine flu:
Consume more fluids
Get enough sleep
Wash your hands often
Use a handkerchief
Don’t go out and avoid contact with people
Avoid areas where the outbreak occurred
Don’t rely only on facemasks
Eat immune-boosting foods
Avoid alcohol
Healthy Foods to Prevent Swine Flu
Eat protien rich foods like chicken, nuts, beans, soy, fish and dairy products. These foods will help the body create a shield against the infection.
Consume orange and green coloured foods, like green leafy vegetables, cabbage, spinach, pumpkins, carrots, apricots, etc. The Vitamin A in these foods will help strengthen the respiratory membranes of the body.
Eat foods rich in Vitamin C, like spinach, berries, green peas, peppers, etc. The anti-viral properties of these foods will help activate the macrophage cells in the body.
Consuming zinc-rich foods like oysters, sardines, crabs, eggs and beef will help strengthen the body with antibodies to fight swine flu bacteria.
Chew on raw garlic cloves to guard against swine flu. Herbal tea made from mint, elderflower and yarrow can also help the body build immunity against swine flu.
Patients suffering from H1N1 or H3N2v need to stay home and avoid physical contact with healthy individuals. Experts recommend a 24 hour quarantine even after you are free of the fever. Over the counter painkillers will come handy in case of fevers and aches. One should avoid aspirin, as it can lead to liver damage in swine flu patients.

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