What is this Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)?

Novel H1N1 Flu (earlier known as Swine Flu) is an infection caused by virus of the same name. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. The recent spike in death tolls due to this virus has caused world wide alarm.

Why H1N1 virus is sometimes called Swine flu virus?
The initial laboratory testing showed that its genes are similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America but further study showed that this new virus is very different from swine flu virus. Scientists call it a "quadruple reassortant" virus. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes.

How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) virus?
Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.

Is novel H1N1 virus contagious to humans?
Novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is known to spread from human to human.

How does H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) spread?
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Following things do not cause H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

Eating properly handled and cooked pork products.
Drinking Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes

Who are more at risk of getting infected with H1N1 virus?

Groups of people at higher risk for severe illness from novel influenza A (H1N1) infection are thought to be the same as those people at higher risk for severe illness from seasonal influenza. These groups include:

Children younger than 5 years old

How can I know that I have H1N1 virus infection?

The Sign and symptoms associated with H1N1 virus infection (swine flu) are:

Pyrexia

Cough

Sore throat

Runny nose or stuffy nose

Bodyache

Headache

Chills

Fatigue

Rare Symptoms:

Diarrhea and Vomiting

Severe disease with pneumonia, respiratory failure and even death is possible with novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) infection.

What are the complications of swine influenza?

The complications include:

Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Sinus infection
Ear infection

When should I report to the hospital?

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where cases of H1N1 infection have been reported and you are having any of the signs of flu you should take rest and remain at home. You should also :

• check with their health care provider about any special care they might need if they are pregnant or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema

• check with their health care provider about whether they should take antiviral medications

• stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least after 24 hours after your fever has gone (and that too without the use of antipyretics or fever reducing medicines).

• get plenty of rest

• drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated.

• cover coughs and sneezes. Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into hands.

• avoid close contact with others – do not go to work or school while ill

• be watchful for emergency warning signs (see below) that might indicate you need to seek medical attention

Are there vaccines to prevent H1N1 infection?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has started the early work on a vaccine for the new swine flu to protect us from getting sick or at least deathly sick. But still there is no vaccine for this outbreak of swine flu. Making vaccine is a multi-step process which takes several months to complete.  Candidate vaccines will be tested in clinical trials over the few months. 

Why the traditional vaccines are said to be not effective in this outbreak?

Control of swine influenza by vaccination has become more difficult in recent decades, as the evolution of the virus has resulted in inconsistent responses to traditional vaccines. Standard commercial swine flu vaccines are effective in controlling the infection when the virus strains match enough to have significant cross-protection, and custom (autogenous) vaccines made from the specific viruses isolated are created and used in the more difficult cases. Although the current trivalent influenza vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against the new 2009 H1N1 strain, vaccines against the new strain are being developed and could be ready as early as June 2009.

How can we prevent H1N1 infection?

What should I do if I have someone infected with H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) at my home?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some precautions to take include:

I am nursing my relative infected with H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu), what precautions should I take?

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)?

Use of antiviral drugs has been found to control minor illness and prevent serious complications. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.

However it is better to contact a health care provider, medical professional than take OTCs. Warning! Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

What are the scope of homeopathy in prevention and treatment of swine flu?

Immunization:

Homeopathic immunization uses two main methods – the nosode (a remedy made from the diseased product) and the genus epidemicus (a remedy selected on the behalf of symptoms of an epidemic).

No nosode has yet been reported from this virus, and no genus epidemicus been established. However, the nosode Influezinum which was prepared homeopathically by influenza virus may be effective.

Treatment:

From the symptoms of swine flu collected so far, homeopathic communities world wide are predicting the following remedies to be useful in swine flu cases. Many more remedies may get added as the time passes and we collect more information on avian flu. This information is hypothetical and has not been tested in the field.

Aconitum napellus: A intense flu with sudden onset with fever, anxiety, constricted pupils, and strong thirst—is likely to respond to this remedy. The person may feel fearful or agitated, and the fever can alternate with chills. Symptoms are often worst around midnight. Exposure to cold wind or a shock of some kind often precedes the illness.

Antim tart: Shaking, loose cough, with oppressed breathing, which is relieved by expectoting; gastric symptoms.

Apis mellifica: This remedy may be helpful if a person has dry fever that alternates with sweating, facial flushing, and a very sore throat with swollen tonsils. Pain may extend to the ears, and the eyelids may be swollen. Exposure to cool air and cold applications may bring relief. Despite the fever, thirst usually is low. The person can be very irritable, disliking interference.

Arnica montana : A person who needs this remedy during flu feels shivering all over the body. Heat and redness of head, while rest of the body is cold. Limbs and body ached; as if beaten, as if sprained. Bed feels too hard. Sore lame bruised feeling all over the body. Respiratory symptom includes paroxysmal cough aggravated in night and during sleep. Pneumonia; approaching paralysis.

Arsenicum album: A person who needs this remedy during flu feels chilly and exhausted, along with an anxious restlessness. The person may be thirsty, but often only takes small sips. If the digestive system is involved, nausea with burning pain, or vomiting and acrid diarrhea may occur. If the flu is respiratory, a watery, runny nose with sneezing paroxysms and a dry or wheezing cough are often seen.

Baptisia: Looks drowsy and drunk. Flu with sudden onset and high fever and a feeling of being bruised all over, the body and limbs feel as if they are scattered. Profuse sweating with a high fever and an intense thirst. Dull red face, looks dazed and sluggish as if they may fall asleep at any time. The bed feels hard .Stupefying headache, with confusion. Delirium with strange sensations, like as if there is somebody else in bed with him, parts of her body are separated, etc. the key note of the remedy is every discharge is very offensive.

Belladonna: Sudden, intense symptoms — including fever, red face, hot skin, and extreme sensitivity to light and jarring — suggest a need for this remedy. The person may have a very red sore throat, a bounding headache, a tickling short bounding cough, or other throbbing and inflammatory symptoms. Despite high fever, the extremities may feel cold.

Bryonia: When a person is very grumpy and feels miserable with the flu, wanting only to lie still and be left alone, this remedy is likely to be useful. Headache, muscle aches, and coughs or stomach pain may be the major symptoms. If the digestive system is involved Nausea and faintness when rising up may occur. The key note of the remedy is everything feels worse from even the slightest motion. The person's mouth usually is dry, with a thirst for long cold drinks.

Eucalyptus globules: This remedy may be helpful during flu with high fever. As compared to high temperature the pulse is not so strong. Stuffy nose with watry coryza. Excessive saliva with slow digestion. Acute diarrhea preceded by sharp pains. Acute nephritis complicating influenza.

Eupatorium perforliatum: Flu with aching pain with soreness of flesh in back and in bones of extremities often responds to this remedy. Pain may be felt in the eyeballs, with a heavy sensation in the head. Illness often begins with chills and thirst, followed by high fever. Chills may be felt the back and legs, and the aching in the bones is worse from motion. The person feels "wiped out" and miserable.

Ferrum phosphoricum: This remedy may be helpful during flu with fever, headache, rosy cheeks, and a feeling of weariness. Sensitive eyes, a short hard cough, strong thirst, and vomiting after eating are other indications. This remedy is often helpful in early stages of flu or fever, even if symptoms are not especially clear.

Gelsemium: Dullness and achiness that come on gradually, increasing over several days, may indicate a need for this remedy. The face feels heavy, with droopy eyes and aching. A headache may begin at the back of the neck and skull, and the person may feel chills and heat running up and down the spine. Complete absence of thirst is the kye note for the remedy. Anxiety, trembling, dizziness, perspiration, and moderate fever with chill are other indications for Gelsemium.

Kali sulphuricum: Fever with easy sweating . Yellow slimy tongue, nasal discharge, ear discharge, diarrhea. Cough with easily expelled yellow slimy sputum. Thirsty. Averse to hot drinks. Wants to lie down, but it makes her worse, so she must walk for relief.

Lachesis: Feels worse after sleep; fever worse in afternoon; sweat without relief.

Mercurius solubilis: Dirty, smelly, drooling. Increased salivation, offensive breath, profuse offensive sweat. Filthy tongue, large, flabby, tooth – notched ,Thirsty,Craves bread and butter.Worse: night, heat of bed.

Nux vomica: When this remedy is indicated in influenza, the person may have high fever, violent chills, strong nausea and cramping in the digestive tract (or a painful cough and constricted breathing if the flu is respiratory). Headache usually occurs, along with oversensitivity to sound, bright light, and odors. A person who needs Nux vomica is often very irritable, feeling worse from exertion and worse from being cold in any way.

Phosphorus: When this remedy is needed during flu, the person has a fever with an easily-flushing face, and feels very weak and dizzy. Headache, hoarseness, sore throat, and cough are likely. If the focus is digestive, stomach pain and nausea or vomiting usually occur. A person who needs this remedy often has a strong anxiety, wanting others to be around to offer company and reassurance. Strong thirst for the cold water, with a tendency to vomit when liquids warm up in the stomach, is a strong indication for Phosphorus.

Pulsatilla: Flitting chilliness; chills in spots. Chilly in a warm room. One sided chilliness – heat – sweat. One cheek red, the other white. Palpitations with anxiety: must throw off the clothes. Dry cough at night, better sitting up, worse on lying down again. Thick yellow-green discharge from nose. Yellow-green expectoration. Craves butter, cream, pastries. Thirstless. Tearful, craves company and sympathy. Worse: external warmth, closed room; Better: open air, outside, slow motion.

Pyrogenium: Septic states. Extremely restless. Has to keep on moving, rocking, wringing, for momentary relief. The bed feels too hard, aching everywhere, feels beaten and bruised. Everything is offensive: sweat, breath, discharges, stool, etc. The pulse is abnormally rapid for the temperature. High temperature with slow pulse, or the reverse. Creeping chills in the back, with a thumping heart. Bursting headache. Rapid bed sores. Feels as if someone else is in his bed. Consciousness of the heart beating.

Rhus toxicodendron: A person who needs this remedy during flu feels extremely restless. Fever is accompanied by bone and muscle aches. Sore throat, red tongue, a teasing cough, and nausea and bloating are other likely symptoms. Soreness and stiffness may be felt all over, with improvement from hot showers or from getting up and pacing. A person who needs Rhus tox usually feels worse when waking up, beginning to move, after lying in bed, or from keeping still too long. Symptoms are relieved by continuous motion, rubbing and stretching, but especially warmth and movement.

Sabadilla: Lachrymation in open air, when looking at bright light, when coughing or yawning. Sleepy in day time; chillyness, with heat of face; cough on lying down.

Sangunaria: Smell in nose like roasted onion; wheezing-whistling cough and finally diarrhea, which relieves the cough.

Sticta pulmonaria: There is general feeling of dullness and malaise with raw throat. Droping of mucous posteriorly. Dry, hacking coughat night; worse, inspiration.

Sulphur : This remedy may be useful if a flu is very long-lasting or has some lingering symptoms—often after people have neglected to take good care of themselves. Symptoms, either digestive or respiratory, will often have a hot or burning quality. The person may feel hot and sweaty, with low fever and reddish mucous membranes. Heat aggravates the symptoms, and the person often feels worse after bathing. 

Was homeopathy successful in treating the flu epidemic of 1918?

Yes. While the mortality rate of people treated with traditional medicine and drugs was 30 percent, those treated by homeopathic physicians had mortality rate of 1.05 percent.

Of the fifteen hundred cases reported at the Homeopathic Medical Society of the District of Columbia there were only fifteen deaths. Recoveries in the National Homeopathic Hospital were 100%. In Ohio , of 1,000 cases of influenza, Dr. T. A. McCann, MD, Dayton , Ohio reported NO DEATHS.

What homeopathic remedies were used to successfully treat the Spanish flu in 1918?

Gelsemium and Bryonia

According the Dr. Frank Wieland, MD, in Chicago , "(With) 8,000 workers we had only one death. Gelsemium was practically the only remedy used. We used no aspirin and no vaccines."

Was Homeopathy 98% successful in treating the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918?

Yes.

Ohio reported that 24,000 cases of flu treated allopathically had a mortality rate of 28.2% while 26,000 cases of flu treated homeopathically had a mortality rate of 1.05% . In Connecticut , 6,602 cases were reported, with 55 deaths, less than 1%. Dr. Roberts, a physician on a troop ship during WWI, had 81 cases of flu on the way over to Europe . He reported, "All recovered and were landed. Every man received homeopathic treatment.

Updates on Swine Flu/ Influenza A (H1N1)

13th August 2009-

Total Confirmed Cases in India 1193

Total Deaths in India 018

Total Confirmed Cases Worldwide 177457

Total Deaths Worldwide 1462

11th August 2009-

Total Confirmed Cases in India 864

Total Deaths in India 007

Total Confirmed Cases Worldwide 162380

Total Deaths Worldwide 1154

26th June 2009- W.H.O. has reported almost 60,000 cases of this new virus in more than 100 countries and they report being aware of 263 deaths.

10th June 2009- 74 countries have officially reported 27,737 cases of H1N1 infection, including 141 deaths.

4th June 2009: WHO officially reported 19,273 cases in 66 countries. 

25th May 2009- 46 countries have officially reported 12515 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection including 91 deaths.

17th May 2009- 39 countries have officially reported 8480 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 2895 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 66 deaths. The United States has reported 4714 laboratory confirmed human cases, including four deaths. Canada has reported 496 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported nine laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Belgium (4), Brazil (8), China (5), Colombia (11), Cuba (3), Denmark (1), Ecuador (1), El Salvador (4), Finland (2), France (14), Germany (14), Guatemala (3), India (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Japan (7), Malaysia (2), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (9), Norway (2), Panama (54), Peru (1), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (103), Sweden (3), Switzerland (1), Thailand (2), Turkey (1), and the United Kingdom (82).

India and Turkey have recorded their first cases of swine flu, giving further evidence that the disease is spreading. In both countries the H1N1 virus was detected following the screening of passengers arriving at airports.

11th May 2009- 30 countries have officially reported 4694 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 1626 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 48 deaths. The United States has reported 2532 laboratory confirmed human cases, including three deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Brazil (8), China (2, comprising 1 in China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and 1 in mainland China), Colombia (3), Denmark (1), El Salvador (4), France (13), Germany (11), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Japan (4), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (7), Norway (2), Panama (15), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (95), Sweden (2), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (47).

9th May 2009- 29 countries have officially reported 3440 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 1364 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 45 deaths. The United States has reported 896 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Brazil (6), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (12), Germany (11), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (6), Japan (3), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (5), Panama (2), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (88), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (34).

7th May 2009- 24 countries have officially reported 2371 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 1112 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 42 deaths. The United States has reported 896 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (201), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (5), Germany (10), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (6), Italy (5), Netherlands (2), New Zealand (5), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (81), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (32).

6th May 2009- 23 countries have officially reported 1893 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 942 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 29 deaths. The United States has reported 642 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (165), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (5), Germany (9), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (5), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (5), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (2), Spain (73), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (28).

5th May 2009- 21 countries have officially reported 1124 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The United States has reported 286 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (140), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (54), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (18).

3rd May 2009- 18 countries have officially reported 898 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (85), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), France (2), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (3), Italy (1), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (40), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (15).

2nd May 2009- Mexico has reported 397 confirmed human cases of infection, including 16 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico in the past 48 hours reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens. The United States Government has reported 160 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (51), China , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), France (2), Germany (6), Israel (3), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (15).

30th April 2009-- From today, WHO will refer to the new influenza virus as influenza A (H1N1).

29th April 2009- The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation's first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.

23rd April 2009- Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in San Diego County and Imperial County , California as well as in San Antonio , Texas .

28th March 2009- First confirmed human case of swine origin influenza A (H1N1) in U.S.

World History of Viral Pandemics 1357 AD - 2009

1918-1919 – The "Spanish Flu" circles the globe (though some experts think it may have started in the U.S. ). Caused by an H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) virus, it is the worst influenza pandemic (and subsequently, epidemic) to date. There are more than half a million U.S. deaths; worldwide death estimates range from 20 million to 100 million. According to WebMD, "The pandemic comes before the era of antibiotics -- which are now essential in treating the secondary bacterial infections that often kill flu-weakened patients -- so it's difficult to say whether this flu would have the same dreadful impact in the modern world. But it is a very frightening disease, with very high death rates among young, previously healthy adults."

1900 – Major epidemic.

1889-1890 – The "Russian flu" spreads through Europe and reaches North America in 1890.

1878 – A disease causing high mortality in poultry becomes known as the "fowl plague." Fowl plague is now called HPAI avian influenza

1847-1848 – Influenza sweeps through the Mediterranean to southern France and then continues across in Western Europe .

1831, 1833-1834 – Influenza pandemics hit.

1830 – Major epidemic causing high mortality among the elderly spreads across Russia from Asia .

1781 – Major epidemic causing high mortality among the elderly spreads across Russia from Asia .

1700s – Influenza pandemics in 1729-1730, 1732-1733, 1781-1782.

1580 – First recorded influenza pandemic begins in Europe and spreads to Asia and Africa .

1485 – "Sweating sickness," a flu-like malady, sickens hundreds of thousands of people in Britain . The Lord Mayor of London , his successor and six aldermen die. The Royal Navy cannot leave port due to the sickness of sailors. Doctors prescribe tobacco juice, lime juice, emetics, cathartics and bleeding as treatments.

1357 AD – The term, "influenza," from the Italian word meaning "influence," was coined. Popular belief at that time blamed the development of flu on the influence of the stars.

412 BC – Major epidemic of a disease (which, although not called influenza, probably was influenza) recorded by Hippocrates.

Reference:

1. Center for Disease Control (CDC), USA

2. World Health Organization

Send us your suggestions, comments and experiences with Swine Flu at info@homeorizon.com