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SWINE FLU
7 FACTS About the "Swine Flu"
With all the sensationalized news about the "swine flu" every day in the media we figured we'd better give our readers all the facts as we know them at this time. 1. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a level 6 alert for the swine flu outbreak. This means that there is a pandemic of the disease worldwide. There are more than 70 countries that have reported cases of the disease. This is the first time in 41 years that the WHO has issued this type of alert. The outbreak began in Mexico last April and it is now thought that there are about 31600+ suspected cases, including 4500+ deaths. Please keep in mind that there are deaths due to the flu every year. This occurs in the sectors of the population that have weakened immune systems due to age or illness. It is not the flu, per se, that kills people. It is the opportunistic infections that develop when people are sick with the flu, such as pneumonia. At this point there is definitely cause for alarm, but cautions are required to keep healthy. Although there is now a swine flu vaccine, it is advised to be wary of getting. The major reason for not getting the spray or the shot is that it is NOT TESTED. A group of New York has filed a petition to halt the roll out of mandatory vaccination. Please be educated as to the risks of this vaccine and your options before you are forced to get it. 2. This virus has nothing to do with swine, other than it seems to have mutated from a combination of flu strains and passed on to the human population by way of pigs. In fact, this strain of flu has never been seen before in a single animal. And you can't get it from eating pork. 3. No existing vaccines can prevent this new flu strain. So no matter what you hear, even if it comes from your doctor, don't panic and DON'T get a regular flu shot. They rarely work against the seasonal flu anyway and certainly can't offer protection from a never-before-seen strain of flu. Besides, as reported on this page already, preservatives used in these vaccines can cause more problems than the viruses they are trying to prevent. 4. This virus strain does NOT seem to have come about naturally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this particular strain has never before been seen in pigs or people. Though stated before, this point is very important. According to Reuters News Agency, the strain is a "genetic mix" of swine, avian and human flu. 5. The drug companies are getting very excited about this possible pandemic. According to the Associated Press, financial analysts estimate that up to $388 million worth of Tamiflu sales will be had in the near future and that's without a pandemic outbreak. 6. Please remember that Tamiflu comes with many side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fatigue and cough. These are the very symptoms you are trying to avoid. Japan banned this drug for children back in 2007, after links to suicidal behavior. 7. Vaccines for this flu strain have already hit the market very quickly without all those annoying hurdles, like clinical trials for safety and effectiveness. That probably won't stop the government from mandating the vaccine for all of us. If the vaccines actually turn out to be harmful, killing people for example, the vaccine makers will be immune from lawsuits. It is projected that once the cooler weather takes hold, the virus will show itself again much wider spread than before the summer. Be safe and be prepared. Your best and only real defense in any flu season is a strong immune system. Please check out other sections of Health Alternatives Online for suggestions on boosting your immune response during this very trying time.
For more information, please go to the CDC website.
MOST ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SWINE FLUQ: What are the symptoms? A: The most common symptoms are fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing, although some people also develop a runny nose, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, according to the CDC. Q: What should you do if you have these symptoms? A: Stay home from work or school, to avoid spreading your illness to other people. Don't get on an airplane or any other form of mass transit. People should call their health care provider to ask about the best treatment, but should not simply show up at a clinic or hospital that is unprepared for their arrival. Q: How can people protect themselves? A: As always, people should wash their hands frequently. In the past, the CDC has said there isn't conclusive evidence to support using face masks. Surgical masks are designed to prevent the wearer from spreading germs, but may also catch large respiratory droplets if someone sneezes nearby. In a 2007 statement, the CDC said these masks could be worn if someone needs to go to a crowded place, such as a grocery store, for a short time. N95 respirator masks filter out 95% of particles to prevent the wearer from breathing them in. These must be fitted properly around the nose to create a seal, so they can make breathing difficult.
WAYS TO STAY SAFE DURING ANY FLU OUTBREAKFollow the link to the CDC website for more information from where this comes. Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Take everyday actions to stay healthy. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
TWO THINGS YOU CAN DO IF YOU GET SICKBesides eating whole, nutritious foods, be sure to take a good quality whole food vitamin every day. 1. In addition, add RESVERATROL to your supplement regiment at 2 capsules daily. If you feel as though you are ill, increase the dosage to 3 capsules, twice a day until your symptoms improve. 2. With the first signs of an upper respiratory infection, you could also benefit greatly from homeopathics, especially Oscillococcinum. This homeopathic combination has been proven to decrease the time of your flu illness and possibly act as a preventative if you feel that you have been exposed. The sooner you start the remedy, the quicker you will feel better. 3. As with any cold or flu, a good remedy is echinacea and elderberry if you catch the symptoms early. 1200mg of each herbal 3 times a day should help stave off the infection or cut down the recovery time. Again, caution is advised, but there is no need for panic or paranoia. This situation is very similar to the same scenario as happened in 1976. Check "GOOGLE" search for more information.
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