H1N1 influenza was the first major influenza outbreak in the 21st century, noted for its rapid global spread, which was facilitated by an unusually high degree of viral contagiousness. Global dissemination of virus was further expedited by the unprecedented rates of passengers travel that characterize the modern era.
Swine flu was the original name used to describe novel H1N1, a new influenza virus that causes illness in humans. It was first detected in the United States in April 2009, and also has been reported in Mexico, Canada, and other countries. This virus spreads from person to person, similar to the way that regular seasonal influenza virus spread.
The term swine flu was originally used because laboratory test showed that many genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza virus that normally occur in pigs in North America. The virus has spread throughout the country as well as other parts of the world, and is very contagious.
But Swine flu is a misnomer. The actual Swine flu or swine influenza is a disease of pigs. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by one of many influenza a virus. Influenza virus infects the respiratory tract of pigs. Swine flu produces most of the same symptoms in pigs as human flu produces in human. Some people, who have frequent close contact with pigs, may catch infection of swine flu from pigs. Usually swine flu strains do not spread easily from pigs to humans, and when they do they not always cause disease in people. Most swine flu strains do not spread easily from human to human except H1N1 flu which spreads more quickly and easily from person to person.
H1N1 influenza – Risk factors involved
- Crowded places
- Students in schools
- Children and the elderly
- Nursing homes or long-term care centers
- Recent illness that has lowered resistance
- Smokers
- Chronic illness, such as chronic lung or heart diseases. Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
Symptoms of H1N1 influenza
The symptoms of the novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flue and include
- Fever
- Cough
- Body ache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Chills
A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea, and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illness and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. Vaccines that are currently available may be given either by injection or by nasal instillation.
Transmission of H1N1 influenza virus
The virus was passed from human to human primarily through inhalation of infectious particles or contact with an individual or a contaminated surface.
Homeopathic treatment for H1N1 influenza
Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat H1N1 influenza but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility.
As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat H1N1 influenza that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. There are following homeopathic remedies which are helpful in the treatment of H1N1 influenza:
Rhus Tox, Sticta Pul, Arsenic Album. Baptesia, Bryonia, Eupatorium, Gelsemium, Phosphorous, Aconite, Allium Cepa, Arnica Montana, Arsenic Iod, Calcaria Carb, Camphor, Carcinosin, Causticum, Cheledonium, Euphrasia, Mercurius, Nux Vomica, Dulcamara, Ferrum Phos, Medorrhinum, Naja, Phosphoric Acid, Sabadilla, and many other medicines.
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