Swine flu is on rise again. As per the official figures, close to 600 people have succumbed to the debilitating disease this year with the major chunk of mortality recorded in Maharashtra – almost 50% of the total national swine flu death count. As per a PTI report, a total of 12,460 registered swine-flu cases have been reported this year versus 1,786 cases reported last year. The death toll has seen a two-fold rise this year as compared to the previous year. Close to 320 H1N1 cases have been reported in Delhi itself.
Swine flu is categorized as an air-borne infection that is highly communicable and easily transmitted from one person to another. Though colder temperature serves as the suitable environment for the rise of swine flu virus, this year saw the virus flourishing and spreading even in hotter climatic conditions. H1N1 can get severely debilitating and fatal, though prevention is the best measure to stave off the disease; we bring to you tips, tricks and foods items that can come handy for those suffering from the virus.
The diet
The virus is pretty strong and, if not tackled with proper medication well in time, can turn life-threatening. Since the disease takes a toll on your immune system, it is advisable to load up all things that can bolster up your immunity. Choose from potent herbs and spices like tulsi, pepper, neem, turmeric, honey, lemon juice, amla juice, ginger, giloy juice among others, try to make these an active part of your diet. Drink plenty of fluids and keep away from fried foods or junk. Your meals must be easy to digest and light on stomach. Avoid spice and try including fermented or pro/prebiotic foods in your meals. Have ample rest and do not get in close contact with other people.
“Sipping on warm water, preferably with some tulsi and ginger in it, may benefit swine flu patients. Include foods that can strengthen your lungs. Harad is an excellent Ayurveda ingredient, take half a tablespoon of harad powder right after your meals. Yellow-coloured food items are beneficial for lung strengthening. Top this with right-to-right nostril breathing technique to feel better,” noted Yogacharya Anoop of Chaitanya Foundation.
Things to keep in mind
“It spreads like common flu directly from airborne droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person or contact with an object contaminated by the cough or touch of an infected person and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. Infected persons are assumed to be shedding virus and potentially infectious from the day prior to illness onset until resolution of fever. Infected persons should be assumed to be contagious up to 7 days from illness onset,” Directorate of ISM& Homoeopathy (Homoeopathic Wing), New Delhi.
Common symptoms would certainly include high grade fever, unusual tiredness, running nose, headache, sore throat, diarrhea or vomiting, body pain, cough and shortness of breath. Elderly over 65 years and kids under 5 years of age are most susceptible to the H1N1 virus.
Children may exhibit slightly different symptoms on being infected from swine flu, some of the notable signs would include, no tears while crying, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, pale-bluish skin, not drinking enough fluids, fever with rashes, flu, lack of interaction and difficulty in waking up.
