Swine influenza (also known as H1N1 or swine flu or hog flu or pig flu) is an infection caused by one of the several types of influenza virus. This virus is common through out pig populations worldwide. Common transmission of virus from pigs does not always lead to the disease.

The meat of the infected animal poses no risk of infection when it is properly cooked. It is feared that the swine flu may become a major global pandemic in the cool seasons. Many countries are now trying to create vaccines and are planning massive vaccination programmes. \

Transmission of the H1N1 virus happens through direct contact between infected animals and people with intensive exposure to poultry and pigs. Professionals such as veterinarians and meat-processing workers also have a high risk for infection.

Primary symptoms of Swine Flu

1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Sore Throat
4. Body aches
5. Head ache
6. Chills
7. Fatigue

Swine flu can be fatal, more so in young children, pregnant women, and elderly people. Common causes of death are:

1. Respiratory failure (Pneumonia)
2. High temperature (Neurological failure)
3. Dehydration (Excessive vomiting and Diarrhoea/ Electrolyte imbalance)

Treatment

All the medical systems in the world recommend that prevention is the best approach to swine flu. This has three components -

1. Prevention in pigs
2. Prevention of transmission to humans
3. Prevention of spread among humans

Prevention through Complementary and Alternative Medicine

1. Regular practice of Pranayama (Bastrika and Kapalabhati), will increase the lungs capacity and immunity against any infection especially swine flu.
2. Home remedies for Swine Flu
   1. Juice of tulsi (basil) with honey
   2. Fresh ginger juice with honey
   3. Clove powder with milk
   4. Cinnamon bark powder with milk/ warm water
   5. Fresh juice of pepper mint / powder with warm water
   6. Cardamomum powder
   7. Turmeric powder

All remedies when mixed with one spoon of honey and taken twice or thrice a day is effective against the swine flu.

Ayurveda recommends medicated fumigation as an effective method of controlling any type of air borne infection. Gum resin of neem (Azadirachta indica), shallaki (Boswellia serrata), guggulu (Commiphora mukul), and white mustard are used as fumigants.

Common Ayurvedic remedies for Swine Flu

1. Dasamoola Katutryam Kashayam – An Ayurvedic, pure herbal formula, effective against all types of respiratory infections and poor immunity. It is also good for fever, cough, body pain, etc.
2. Vyagradi Kashayam – An Ayurvedic, pure herbal formula effective against all types of respiratory infections and fever. This improves lung function, removes toxins from the body, and improves body metabolism.
3. Kanchanara Guggulu – An herbal Ayurvedic formulation proven effective for improving immunity and lymph gland functions.
4. Agasthya Rasayanam- Improves the respiratory function and ability.
5. Chyavanaprash – Improves the general immunity and particularly prevents respiratory infections.
6. Haridra Kanda – Ayurvedic formulations with turmeric and improves the immunity.
7. Khadiradi Gutika - Improves the general immunity and particularly prevents respiratory infections.
8. Ayurveda recommends regular detoxification therapies like purgation, emesis, and medicated smoking to eliminate all unwanted toxins and to provide immunity against any kind of infections.

Dietary recommendations

1. Timely intake of food, preferably warm food, is very important.
2. Avoid foods that are pungent, hot, too salty, or sour.
3. Avoid sauces, vinegar, pickles, cheese, paneer, curd (yogurt), fatty foods, and fizzy drinks.
4. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
5. Use honey on a regular basis.

Ayurveda and other complementary medical systems can help in prevention and successful management of swine flu.