Flu – Symptoms and Cure
One of the most common disease, the Flu or better known as Influenza is caused by the influenza virus. It is actually a respiratory tract infection which is highly contagious and spreads by the coughs and sneezes of an infected person. This infection lasts for a week and is characterized by a severe headache, muscle and joint pain accompanied by fever. More than 2, 00,000 people are affected by Flu every year globally (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107.php)
India being a populous country has been often affected by the onslaught of the Influenza or the Flu Virus. The year 2009 witnessed the influenza pandemic where the H1N1 influenza virus was involved. In the eastern part of India, the state of West Bengal was the worst hit followed by Assam, Odisha, and Mizoram. Assam was also severely affected by the HN51 or bird flu virus where more than 120 villages were affected.
The influenza virus is seasonal in nature can affect the regions in the tropical climate like India seasonality is not that obvious. As influenza can easily spread from one person to another it can create a serious public health issue.
Influenza or Flu Symptoms
Influenza is often accompanied by fever, cough, headache, and joint pain. A sore throat and running nose are also common symptoms. Generally, a person suffering from influenza will require a week to get back to normal. Influenza can affect populations of all age group but will mostly affect children, pregnant women, and individuals suffering from chronic illness. This kind of virus spreads from person to person; therefore people living in the highly populated area are more prone to this disease.
Prevention of Influenza and Flu
As it is often said that, “Prevention is better than cure”, therefore proper and timely vaccination for people falling in the high-risk category is one of the best ways to control the spread of Influenza or Flu. The WHO suggests annual vaccination for:
• pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
• children aged between 6 months to 5 years
• elderly individuals (aged more than 65 years)
• individuals with chronic medical conditions
• health-care workers
Doctors also prescribe antiviral drugs for influenza to reduce the severity of the disease. However, the good news is that the spread of influenza/flu virus can also be prevented by following certain measures like:
• Better to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Advised to stay home if you’re sick, especially if you have a fever.
• Always cover your cough to protect others.
• Always wash your hands.
• Advised to limit how frequently you touch your mouth or nose.
Ayurveda believes that the three energies namely vata, pitta and Kapha should be in a perfect balance to maintain a healthy body. Flu or Influenza is a cause of the imbalance of the Kapha and Vata energies. Herbs like tulsi, pipul, Jostimodhu are effective in providing immediate relief to a person suffering from Influenza or flu. Research reports suggest that Tulsi is an effective herb to fight diseases in humans Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/.
Branolia Chemical Works has formulated Bitocough that can bring relief to a chronic cough and cold. It will also provide relief to a sore throat. Bitocough manufactured with herbs like Vasak, tulsi, pipul and jashtimadhu helps in solving respiratory tract problems without any side effect.
Reference:
1) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107.php
2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/)
3) http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs211/en/
4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22078723
5) http://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/early-flu-symptoms#protect-yourself11
6) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107.php
