Swine flu, also known as swine influenza A, results from swine flu viruses which are easily transmissible among humans. Symptoms include fever, cough, nasal secretions, fatigue, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Swine flu is especially a cause for concern in young adults and children, and immunocompromised individuals. Anti-viral agents are effective in the treatment of this condition if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for swine flu is aimed at treating the symptoms of the upper respiratory tract, providing anti-viral medication, as well as boosting the immune status of the affected individual. Herbal medicines are used to reduce the inflammation and congestion of the nasal mucosa and the sinuses so as to reduce symptoms of fever, cough, nasal secretions and headache. If the patient exhibits gastrointestinal symptoms, these are treated separately. Herbal medicines which have an anti-viral action are used in high doses in order to control the viral infection at the earliest.
More importantly, Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific action on the immune status of the affected individual are used in high doses so as to boost the immune system at the earliest. This helps in an early resolution of symptoms and prevents long-term complications. A strong immunity also helps to control the viral infection and prevents the possibility of a long-term latent infection.
Most individuals affected with swine flu require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for about four to eight weeks, depending upon the severity of the symptoms and the immune status of the affected individual. After completion of the mainstay of treatment, it is advisable to provide additional therapy to the patient so as to prevent a recurrence of the condition. During an outbreak of swine flu, it is also advisable to use simple herbal medicines in order to prevent infection with this condition, especially for individuals who come in contact with affected patients. Such preventive treatments are useful preventing large-scale outbreaks of conditions like swine flu.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
