Influenza

There are four types of influenza virus.

• Influenza A : Influenza A viruses cause seasonal flu epidemics practically every year in the United States. They can infect humans and animals.Influenza A is the only type that can cause a pandemic, which is a global spread of disease. Bird flu and swine flu pandemics both resulted from influenza A viruses. An influenza A virus has two surface proteins: hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. These help doctors with classification.
• Influenza B : Influenza B viruses can also cause seasonal epidemics that typically only affect humans. There are two lineages of influenza B: Victoria and Yamagata. Influenza B viruses mutate more slowly than influenza A viruses.
• Influenza C : Influenza C viruses cause mild illnesses — they do not appear to cause epidemics.
• Influenza D : Influenza D viruses mainly affect cattle and do not seem to infect humans.

See also :

• Fever
• Cold
• Immunological Disorders

Symptoms

Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they vary from person to person. Common symptoms of the flu include:

• fatigue
• nasal congestion
• a cough
• headaches
• a sore throat
• body aches
• chills
• a fever
• vomiting or diarrhea, which are more common in children

Some people experience severe symptoms, which can include:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• severe pain
• severe weakness
• a high fever
• seizures
• severe dizziness
• loss of consciousness

A person who experiences any severe symptom should receive medical attention.

Home remedies

• The Allium family of vegetables, which includes onions, garlic, leeks and scallions, are known to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems, as well as anti-diabetic and anti-cancer effects.
• Propolis enhances the immune system.
• Echinacea fights inflammation, bacterial/viral infections; boosts the immune and lymphatic systems by stimulating white blood cells.
• Goldenseal contains the anti-fungal phytochemical, Beribine, which fights infection/inflammation and helps to strengthen the immune system
• Honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
• Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) has a long history of being used effectively in cases of influenza and fever.
• Oils that contain anti-bacterial, anti-viral properties and treat respiratory problems include eucalyptus, ginger, cypress, lemon, cedarwood, tea tree and lavender. Place a few drops of essential oil of choice into a large bowl of boiling water, cover your head with a towel and inhale. Don't get too close as steam can burn the nasal passages.
• Zinc is necessary for a healthy immune system.
• Star Anise : The flower-shaped spice contains shikimic acid that is used as a base material for the production of Tamiflu, which is used for influenza virus. It is super powerful as an anti-viral. Take star anise and boil it in water and add it to your teas like green tea or black tea.
• Cranberries give your immune system a friendly boost by improving T-cell function. T-cells regulate virtually every aspect of the immune response. Mainstream media certainly doesn't report it, but cranberries are a natural alternative to flu vaccines.
• Elderberry are loaded with antioxidants that stimulate the immune system. And it contains anthocyanins. These give it its anti-inflammatory properties. Something that is a must to fight flu symptoms such as aches, pains, and fever. It also has antiviral properties, especially against different strains of influenza virus : In 1995, Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama. Scientists even used these powerful berries to help treat AIDS and cancer.
• Yin Qiao is the premier Chinese herbal formula for treating the initial stages of colds and flu.
• Gan Mao Ling is a stronger formula for treating flu.
• Green Tea polyphenols actively suppress many bacterial, fungal and viral species. Taking Green Tea-derived theanine and antioxidants in supplement form may help prevent the flu
• Allicin in garlic has been proven to have antibacterial and antiviral benefits. Additionally, garlic has anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help in relieving airway inflammations that are also connected to some of the signs and symptoms of the disease.
• Lomatium is currently used as an antiviral remedy to treat colds, coughs, and infections. Lomatium is one of the most potent M2 inhibitors known, stronger than pharmaceuticals. Use of the M2 channel is specific to the influenza A virus, which is why the development of blockers for it was considered crucial.
• Quercetin : A study, published by The American Physiological Society found that mice were significantly less likely to contract flu when given quercetin, a powerful anti-oxidant found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• medicinal mushrooms, such as the Shiitake and the Reishi mushrooms can help in boosting the immune system, thereby preventing the development of colds or flu.
• Black pepper combined with tamarind, boil them with water and butter and ingesting the concoction to help relieve the symptoms of colds and flu. Another way is by mixing lemon juice, honey and black pepper and taking the mixture three times a day for one day to help starve cold.
• Yogurt : Lactobacillus casei, actually give several health benefits to an individual. One of which is protection from viruses that causes colds and flu.
• selenium can work preventive.
• tamarind
• Vitamin D is more Potent than Vaccination
• Vitamin K2 will also boost immune function
• St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)to prevent viral infections such as the flu. A dropperful in the morning throughout the cold months is adequate for prevention.
• Andrographis is sometimes called Indian echinacea because of its use for colds and flus.
• Astragalus (Herb) promotes white blood cell production to fight infection.
• Poke Root(Phytolacca americana): The tincture of this root is so powerful some authors consider it poisonous. You may have a hard time finding it for sale. But poke is an important helper when flu "bugs" have taken over.
• Elecampane (Inula helenium): The tincture of this root is a favorite for clearing lung infections and countering the flu.
• Elder (Sambucus canadensis): Elder flowers are a nice remedy for those with a feverish cold, but for those with the flu, elder berries is a better choice.
• boneset (eupatorium perfoliatum) is an immune stimulant that has a long history of being used effectively in cases of influenza and fever.
• ginger, A powerful anti-inflammatory, has been widely used for generations to help treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches and painful menstrual periods.
• Andrographis is a used to treat flu symptoms.
• Peppermint : The main active component of peppermint called menthol and peppermint itself is being used as a decongestant for those suffering from cold or flu viruses. Menthol can help in thinning the mucus. When there is thinning of mucus, it is easier to expectorate, therefore decreasing the severity of the symptoms of the disease.
• Sage : For many centuries, sage has been used as remedy for some illnesses. For colds and flu, sage is being used as remedy for the sore throat. When one has flu, the integrity of the mucus membrane is damaged due to the inflammation. The membrane inflammation causes sore throat. By gargling a solution of water, salt and sage leaves, sore throat is expected to lessen.
• Fenugreek is one of the oldest known medicinal plants; in fact, it is said to have been used by Hippocrates, the father of medicine. Fenugreek is a very good decongestant by dissolving and thinning the increasing amount of mucus that resulted from the course of the disease. Mucus is also has benefits to sore throat by using it as a gargle.
• Lemon Balm : While flu is a respiratory disease, it also has an effect on the muscles through increased pains and aches. Lemon balm is helpful as a relaxant and as an antispasmodic medication. When there are muscle spasms, applying the lemon balm ointment can help in the relaxation of the muscles. Flu, in contrast to common colds, has fever. With the lemon balm, there will be increased sweating. Sweating is important, although it is recommended to not to go into the extent of dehydrating oneself, because sweating can remove the body of toxins. Lemon balm may be applied at the early onset of flu.
• Cinnamon : It is said that there are verses in the Christian bible saying that chewing on cinnamon sticks can help get rid of the virus from the body. Influenza virus therefore is not exempted from these rules. It is widely being used as a medication for several muscle aches and pains which are associated with common colds and flu. During 1918 when there was an outbreak of Spanish flu, those who are working at the cinnamon processing plant did not contract the disease.
• Mullein leaves possess antiviral activity against these viruses.
• Apples : Over 60 years ago researchers found that the complex carbohydrates that make up apple pectin inhibit the infectivity of influenza A virus in chicken blood, as well in embryonated eggs, indicating its potential anti-influenza properties.
• Honeysuckle is called "Echinacea of Chinese Medicine".
• a Colostrum supplement, will provide an important daily boost to immune function.
• Larch Arabinogalactan is used for infections, including the common cold, flu, H1N1 (swine) flu, ear infections in children, and HIV/AIDS.
• South African medicinal plant extracts of Rapanea melanophloeos and Pittosporum viridiflorum are active against influenza A virus (IAV).
• Gui Zhi Tang
• Ma Huang Tang
• Gan Mao Ling is an extremely effective patent remedy for the treatment of viral colds. It has a high percentage of strong anti-viral herbs.
• Ge Gen Tang
• Da Qing Long Tang
• Xiao Qing Long Tang
• Xiao Chai Hu Tang
• Zong Gan Ling
• Ma Huang Tang contains antipyretic and virus-reducing properties that can address early stages of influenza and upper respiratory tract infection.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.