Are the rising swine flu casualtiesgiving you jitters? Not sure how you can avoid falling prey to the growingepidemic? First and foremost, there is absolutely no need to panic.
Watching television to keep tabs on the progress of H1N1, particularly in thebadly affected areas like Pune, is all right. But don't let the hysterical anchorsget under your skin and start wearing a mask each time you step out of thehouse, unless you are visiting a very crowded area. Then too, the mask willprotect you only for a specified period.
Without giving in to the swine flu panic and creating a stockpile of Tamifluand N-95 masks at home and enriching pharma companies, there are a number ofother measures you can take to ensure that the virus is not able to get you,irrespective of which part of the world you are in.
It is essential to remember that all kinds of viruses and bacteria can attackyou when your immune system is weak, or they can weaken it easily. Hence,building your own defences would be a better, more practical, long-lasting andmuch more economical idea.
Here are some easy steps you can take to tackle a flu virus of any kind,including swine flu. It is not necessary to follow all the steps at once. Youcan pick and choose a combination of remedies that suit you best. However, ifyou are already suffering from flu, these measures can help only up to anextent. And, if you have been infected by H1N1, visiting a hospital and stayingin solitary confinement is a must.
Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (knownas Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of therapeuticproperties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way ofstrengthening your immunity.
Giloi (medicinal nameTinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in many areas. Take aone-foot long branch of giloi, addfive to six leaves of Tulsi andboil in water for 15-20 minutes or long enough to allow the water to extractits properties. Add black pepper and sendha (saltused during religious fasts), rock or black salt, or Misri (crystalised sugar like lumps to make it sweet)according to taste. Let it cool a bit and drink this kadha (concoction) while still warm. It will work wondersfor your immunity. If giloi plantis not available, get processed giloi powderfrom Hamdard or others, and concoct a similar drink once a day.
A small piece of camphor (kapoor) approximatelythe size of a tablet should be taken once or twice a month. It can be swallowedwith water by adults while children can take it along with mashed potatoes orbanana because they will find it difficult to have it without any aides. Pleaseremember camphor is not to be taken everyday, but only once each season, oronce a month.
Those who can take garlic, must have two pods of raw garlic first thing inthe morning. To be swallowed daily with lukewarm water. Garlic too strengthensimmunity like the earlier measures mentioned.
Those not allergic to milk, must take a glass of hot or lukewarm milk everynight with a small measure of haldi (turmeric).
Aloe vera (gwarpatha) too is acommonly available plant. Its thick and long, cactus-like leaves have anodourless gel. A teaspoon gel taken with water daily can work wonders for notonly your skin and joint pains, but also boost immunity.
Take homeopathic medicines — Pyrogenium 200 and Inflenzium 200 inparticular — five tablets three times a day, or two-three drops threetimes a day. While these are not specifically targeted at H1N1 either, thesework well as preventive against common flu virus.
Do Pranayam daily (preferably under guidance if you are already notinitiated into it) and go for morning jog/walk regularly to keep your throatand lungs in good condition and body in fine fettle. Even in small measures, itwill work wonders for your body’s resistance against all such diseaseswhich attack the nose, throat and lungs, besides keeping you fit.
Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market(not for another three to four months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly availablenowadays.
Last but not the least, wash your hands frequently every day with soap andwarm water for 15-20 seconds; especially before meals, or each time aftertouching a surface that you suspect could be contaminated with flu virus suchas a door handle or a knob/handle, especially if you have returned from apublic place or used public transport. Alcohol-based hand cleaners should bekept handy at all times and used until you can get soap and warm water.