Health Care

By Simon Hess

Swine Flu was declared a pandemic on 11th June 2009. Margaret Chen, Director-General of The World Health Organization announced that the virus had been raised from a phase 5 to a phase 6 emergency.

Over 30,000 people have been infected worldwide and at the time of writing this article, 163 people have died.

So what should you know about the Swine Flu Pandemic:

1) The virus spreads exactly the same way as seasonal influenza. It can be contracted by coming in to contact with someone who is infected and through them coughing and sneezing.

2) Pigs as well as humans were heavily infected during the influenza epidemic of 1918. Hence the name "Swine Flu". However, the human immune system is less able to cope with this disease. An important point to note is that you cannot contract the influenza bug from eating pork or ham based products.

3) Seasonal influenza mainly attacks young children and the elderly. The majority of reported cases of swine flu has infected people aged from 5 to 65 and the largest percentage are aged 30-44.

4) This is fourth flu pandemic to be reported in the last 100 years. Spanish, Asian and Hong Kong Flu are the previous three. It is estimated that the previous 3 influenza world alerts caused up to 53 million deaths.

5) The Symptoms of the Swine Flu Pandemic include, coughs, sore throat, high fever, headaches, body aches, high fever and respiratory problems.

The Obama Administration are currently working in conjunction with the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention on a new vaccination. It is believed that this should be ready by the fall.

Are you worried that the Swine Flu Pandemic may be heading your way?

For further information and access to the Swine Flu Survival Guide please Click Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Hess

Ketty

Flu is a viral infection also known as influenza that is relatively common during the winter season. The most general symptoms include a feeling of being utterly miserable; there are fever, coughs, muscle aches, fatigue, and a general feeling of illness. There may also be a sore throat, nasal discharge, headaches, and loss of appetite. The worst symptoms usually subside after a few days, but there is a lingering feeling of exhaustion for a period of time.

Therefore we have to take because caution flu is infectious. We can prevent this by keeping a well-balanced diet with plenty of fluids, make sure to get lots of bed rest and stay away from cigarette smoking. Avoid crowds since the virus spreads speedily, keep away from crowded areas and keep your distance from those you see sneezing or coughing even if it means changing your seat on the commuter bus or train or getting off the elevator on the wrong floor. We can take some medication that help to prevent such illness and works best at the onset of symptoms and free from side effects and drug interactions.

Oscillococcinum is one of Homeopathic medication is used by millions of people and suggested by doctors around the world. It can be used by the entire family to assist relieve the worst symptoms of the winter season. Oscillo works best when it is taken at the first sign of flu. Oscillococcinum (o-sill-o-cox-see-num), Oscillo is safe, natural and easy to take. It is for temporary relief of symptoms of flu such as fever, chills, body aches and pains. Oscillococcinum is thought to stimulate your body's own defenses. It works best at the onset of symptoms, when your body has more resources to react. It is homeopathic remedy that is a mouth full to say, but must be taken as soon as you feel the flu symptom if it is going to be effective.

Oscillococcinum will not cover symptoms of an underlying serious situation. Oscillococcinum is not contraindicated if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, thyroid disease, kidney disorders or asthma and cannot use antihistamine or decongestant medications. Because of its safety, Oscillo is an excellent choice for children.

Apart of using medicine you must take prevention measure to avoid cold and flu, wash your hand frequently and properly, avoid to touch your nose and eyes, keep your own towel do not share and more importantly use gloves in winter particularly in public places specially in public transport.


Oscillococcinum Info & Buying Resources:

Oscillococcinum
AllNutri.com

By: Mary Coyle

Influenza is the name given to a family of viruses that take on similar characteristics and symptoms. However, as each year progresses, viruses mutate and slightly varied forms of the virus are formed. In most cases, influenza makes us feel a miserable, but within a few days to a week we feel better and able to resume normal activities. The problem is that as the flu virus mutates it becomes more difficult to manage, and in rare cases such as the Spanish Flu of 1918-1919 or what is now posing a threat to Asia and expected to spread across the globe is the avian bird flu, also described as the H5N1 flu, can even result in death.

Although people in the United States are taking the threat of the avian bird flu lightly, experts say that when a person is infected by the H5N1 flu, the mortality rate is extremely high-between 50% and 65% infected thus far have died. In comparison, only 2.5% to 5% of those infected with the Spanish Flu died.

Anthony Fauci and some of his colleagues wrote in a commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association, that "pandemic prevention strategies must be based on expecting the unexpected and being capable of reacting accordingly."

Some people want to focus on finding a vaccine to help minimize the risk of an influenza outbreak. However, as people continue to get vaccinations, they are also building up an immunity that may prevent other forms of the vaccine from being effective.

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. based company, is planning on testing a new anti-viral drug called Peramivir in Asia over the next month. In mice and ferrets, the drug is shown to improve survival rates, and experts are projecting that this is the next drug which will combat all types of influenza, including H5N1.

There are already treatments for influenza with drugs such as Tamiflu; however, early treatment, typically within the first 48 hours of symptoms is essential. Because people aren't always able to be diagnosed and treated early-on with medications, we must find a way to prevent the outbreak of all types of influenza viruses. This is critical because as the virus mutates treatment methods are difficult and sometimes impossible to find. Thankfully, UV air purifiers/sterilizers are available to rid the air of viruses and bacteria.

UV sterilizers/clarifiers are far superior to other air purification methods because they utilize the power of AHPCO (Advanced Hydrated Photocatalytic Oxidation) cell technology. Unlike other air purification methods, AHPCO removes particulate matter including pet dander, dust mites, mold and pollen spores, as well as VOC's (volatile organic compounds) which are found in a variety of cleaning solutions, paint, carpet, etc. AHPCO cell technology utilizes the power of a broad spectrum, high-intensity UV light and provides all of the benefits of ozone disinfection. However, ultraviolet air purification systems that emit low-levels of ozone (which are both safe and at a level that is far below what the FDA approves) in the hydrated catalytic cell, create advanced oxidation-a safe and effective method of ridding the air of harmful particulates and odors. This is where certain ultraviolet air purification systems lack. VOC elimination is difficult to come by; however, it is essential in maintaining indoor air quality, and preventing us from contracting illnesses and viruses such as influenza. Due to its effectiveness, it is even believed to prevent mutated forms that could lead to an Avian Flu outbreak in the United States.

Finding a high-quality UV light air purifier is crucial in maintaining good indoor air quality. Since most Americans spend 90% or more of their time indoors, where harmful particulates, illnesses, bacteria, and a variety of allergen triggers surround us continuously, it is imperative that we ensure our surroundings do not support the on-set of illnesses and other health concerning conditions. For this reason, the following items should be considered before purchasing a UV clarifier.

UV disinfection systems are unique and one way to compare one system to another is based on coverage. This is a factor that is primarily dependent upon use and function. Is it being used in a small and confined space such as an office where a smaller unit that covers 500 square feet is efficient? Or do you need something that would provide indoor air purification the size of a typical apartment with up to 1000 square feet of coverage? Or do you feel that the treatment of a full home covering up to 3000 square feet is more suitable to your needs? These are crucial in determining what UV disinfection method is going to give you the coverage and reliability that you need.

Then next thing to consider before purchasing a UV clarifier is cost. One way to view the cost of an ultraviolet air purification system is by considering the health benefits that an effective UV clarifier will be able to offer. Doctor's visits and missed work from illness costs people a lot of money over the course of a year. However, quality UV disinfection systems can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, a very reasonable cost compared to compromised health that could lead to even more serious issues in the long run. In addition, the cost of running the air purification system can cost as little as pennies a day. Because UV air purifiers can rid the air of bacteria (bacteriostatic), mold (mycostatic), viruses (such as influenza and colds), VOC's, odors, and various small particulates that can trigger allergies, the benefits of indoor air purification are far reaching.

The final area of consideration before purchasing a UV light air purifier is noise. Some ultraviolet air purification systems have the ability to keep a fan on or off and still provide clean the air of harmful particulates. Additionally, for some of the better quality UV disinfection systems, they are able to run with virtually no noise.

Since our health is one of the most important aspects that controls quality and length of life, we must protect it. Ultraviolet air purification systems are proven to cleanse the indoor air and remove harmful particulates including mold, viruses, bacteria, and pet dander that can cause illnesses (such as influenza) and allergies.

Since most Americans spend 90% or more of their time indoors, where harmful particulates, illnesses, bacteria, and a variety of allergen triggers surround us continuously, it is imperative that we ensure our surroundings do not support the on-set of illnesses and other health concerning conditions. For this reason, the following items should be considered before purchasing a UV clarifier.

Clean Air with Ultraviolet offers a variety of energy efficient products that will get the results you are seeking. For more information on indoor air purifiers or the benefits of air purification, please visit Clean Air with Ultraviolet.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

By: Bogdan Epureanu

The Avian Flu virus, also known as the Bird Flu virus or as H5N1, is a sub-species of the Influenza A virus which causes severe illness and death in humans and animals. Since 2003 this deadly virus has been spreading globally causing fear and panic in countries all around the world. First recognized in Vietnam, to date the virus has 291 known cases and has claimed 172 lives as well as permanently changed thousands more in 11 countries globally including China, Egypt, Indonesia, and Turkey. Most recently the British government has pledged to spend £200 ($400) million to import enough Tamiflu and Relenza to vaccinate approximately a quarter of the population against the Bird Flu.

With a 60% death rate recorded from infected patients of the H5N1 virus, it’s easy to see why being prepared for such an event is highly recommended by professionals and scientists like world-renowned virologist Robert Webster who has published an article titled "The world is teetering on the edge of a pandemic that could kill a large fraction of the human population". Webster urged for adequate resources to fight a major world threat that could kill anywhere from 5 to 150 million people and even possibly billions of lives over the course of just a few years.

The resources Webster is talking about are Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) and Relenza (Zanamivir), the only two effective antiviral drugs that are to be used in the treatment of the H5N1 Virus which causes the Bird Flu. Unfortunately for Tamiflu and Relenza patients, in order for these antivirals to be most effective they need to be administered at the early stage of infection which in turn has caused many countries to stockpile in preparation for the pandemic. This global stockpile has resulted in a major shortage for these life saving antivirals leaving many private citizens without access when these will be needed the most. Drug companies, manufacturers, and scientists are scrambling to come up with a vaccine to protect the world against the H5N1 strain of influenza, but currently Tamiflu and Relenza are the only antivirals that have shown promise in fighting the virus to date.

With the knowledge and warnings that have been provided to us it is just common sense to realize that this is a global problem and you need to be prepared. Act now to protect your family because with the current demand for these medications it may soon be too late. And we strongly believe that every family deserves equal access to Tamiflu and Relenza life saving antivirals - not just the governments who stockpile only for the health care workers and whoever they deem are suitable for treatment during a pandemic. Don't delay - protect your family today.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

If you want to find more information about the subject please visit the following pages which deals in details with bird flu, Tamiflu and Relenza.