<p>Without giving in to the swine flu panic and creating a stockpile of Tamiflu and N-95 masks at home and enriching pharma companies, there are a number of other 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.</p>
<p>It is essential to remember that all kinds of viruses and bacteria can attack you 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 and much more economical idea.</p>
<p>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. You can pick and choose a combination of remedies that suit you best. However, if you are already suffering from flu, these measures can help only up to an extent. And, if you have been infected by H1N1, visiting a hospital and staying in solitary confinement is a must.</p>
<ol>
<li>Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of therapeutic properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way of strengthening your immunity…</li>
</ol>
<p>(The author is an avid reader and follower of alternative therapies including spiritual healing, ayurveda, yoga and homeopathy) </p>
<p>Be very careful when using herbs and other “natural” supplements. If you have any medical conditions consult your physician or pharmacist before taking.<br>
BTW the supplement and natural health remedies are also a big business.</p>
<p>I think item #10/handwashing should be the first and the most important one on the list.</p>
<p>I agree that herbal/plant supplements can boost immune system, but one needs to be careful with some supplements if they are taking prescription and/or OTC meds - there could be some interactions (e.g., grapefruit is known to have such effect).</p>
<p>Is there real science (ideally double blinded randomized, but that’s not always feasible) behind all this? If not, no thanks. Enough quacks out there.</p>
<p>The list forgot to mention the most effective measure to combat the H1N1 virus: forming a human chain of peace and love. If we all join hands and sing Kumbaya together, I’m confident the H1N1 virus won’t bother us.</p>
<p>Having read two books about the influenza pandemic of 1918, I am concerned about parallells to the current pandemic swine flu. The 1918 flu went through twice – the first time, it wasn’t that hideous. The second time, it killed – especially young, healthy people (not the usual babies, elderly, and immune-system compromised). It was also a variant of H1N1. Be advised to watch for fever and especially breathing difficulty in your young adult children. And get them immunized as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Plus, of course, hand-washing, etc…</p>
<p>Medical advice if you have H1N1 flu is not to go to the hospital unless you are having serious problems. 98% of people stay at home. Or has something changed?</p>
<p>An individual came into my workplace yesterday, and in the course of doing business, casually remarked that he’d been diagnosed with swine flu, and though he felt fine, his doctor had told him he could be contagious for another 5 days.</p>
<p>^^Yes, it’s an insult to pigs. Spaniards got a similar bad rap back in 1918. The popular name for the killer flu pandemic that year was the “Spanish Flu.” The evidence suggests that it originated in the US and not in Spain.</p>