[[File:Influenza-viruses-1200px.jpg|thumb|600px|left|]]
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 :
* [[feverFever]]
* [[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.
* 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.
* [[ElderberriesStar 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.
*[[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.== Warnings ==* South African medicinal plant extracts of Rapanea melanophloeos and Pittosporum viridiflorum are active against influenza A virus (IAV). * [[Gui Zhi Tang]]== References ==* [[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.
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[[Category:Diseases]]
[[Category:infectious disease]]