Most people are familiar with the symptoms of the flu, but they can be mistaken for a severe cold in some cases. However, the flu infection is far more serious and can potentially cause severe health complications.
Symptoms include a fever, muscle aches, chills, headaches, coughing, congestion and extreme fatigue – although not all of these symptoms are present in every case. If your symptoms are severe, it is usually recommended that you seek medical assistance to obtain a proper diagnosis. In particular, the avian or bird flu cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone, so seeking medical treatment is necessary.
There are a wide variety of viral infections that may cause flu-like symptoms, therefore it is important to rule out other possibilities before obtaining treatment.
The flu virus is classified into three categories:
Type A, B, and C
Type A viruses can infect people, birds, pigs, horses, seals, whales, and other animals. This type of virus can spread around the world causing seasonal epidemics. Recent examples included the avian or bird flu.
Type B viruses infect people and result in smaller, localized outbreaks. People infected with type B virus are often hospitalized, with increased rates of death occurring.
Type C viruses cause mild illness in humans without the onset of an epidemic or pandemic.
Prevention is Best
The flu virus attacks the body’s cells and mutates into different forms. Because of the numerous different strains of the virus it is not always possible to protect yourself against the virus. The influenza virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s secretions (such as by inhaling droplets when they have coughed or sneezed).
It can also be spread by handling objects such as crockery, cutlery, doorknobs, or telephone receivers that an infected person has been in contact with.
In order to protect against the flu, you need to maintain a healthy immune system. In addition, vaccinations do not provide protection against certain strains of influenza such as the avian flu or bird flu, so taking preventative measures can greatly support your health.
Treatments for the Flu
Over-the-counter medication such as aspirin, cough syrups, decongestants or throat lozenges are widely available to relieve flu symptoms. More serious cases of the flu are sometimes treated with prescription medication such as antiviral drugs. As the flu is a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective in the treatment program, although they may be recommended if there is a secondary bacterial infection.
Many people are not aware that there are several natural and holistic treatments that are also extremely effective at fighting symptoms, in addition to homeopathic alternatives to the conventional flu vaccine. Treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies address the underlying cause, while concurrently providing improved optimal health-- without side effects or compromising the immune system (as can occur with antibiotic use).
Using a combination of herbs such as Hypoxis rooperi and Astralagus membranaceus boosts and strengthens the immune system. Echinacea is another popular herb well-known as nature’s antibiotic for stopping the onset of flu symptoms, protecting against or shortening the length of infection, and supporting the immune system. Remember to always source your herbal and homeopathic remedies from reputable suppliers in order to ensure therapeutic dosage, safety, and maximum effectiveness.
Help for the Flu
The best way to treat the flu is to get plenty of bed rest and drink lots of fluids. Conventional doctors often recommend flu vaccines for high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, those with chronic diseases, weak immune systems, or professionals working with high-risk groups.
There are several controversies regarding the conventional flu vaccine, including the risk of side effects. In addition, recent research has suggested that elderly people who have received the flu vaccine do not necessarily have a lower rate of infection compared to those who do not.
Most people who are infected with the flu recover completely in 1 to 2 weeks. In some cases, severe complications such as pneumonia, nerve and brain damage may develop from a flu infection. However, most people recover from the flu without further complications, particularly if their immune systems are strong and healthy.
Natural Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies for Influenza
Natural herbal and homeopathic remedies have also been proven to be extremely beneficial in treating influenza without drying out the mucus membranes (which happens with conventional decongestants) and without robbing the body of good bacteria (which happens with conventional antibiotics). Using a natural cold and flu remedy will not only help you to address the underlying cause of influenza, but ensure that you maintain optimal health and well-being.
Herbs such as Hypoxis rooperi and Astralagus membranaceus help to boost the immune system and act as strengthening tonics. Other effective healing herbs that provide a natural cold and flu remedy include Yarrow, Elderflower, and Peppermint. When these herbs are combined together, they can help to reduce fever and act as an inhalant to relieve chest congestion effectively. Echinacea is another powerful herb that has been shown to greatly support the immune system, and thus help the body to ward off the flu virus. Remember to source herbal remedies from a reputable company, as therapeutic dosage and ingredient quality is important when using herbal medicines.
Many people are unaware that there are effective homeopathic alternatives to the conventional flu vaccine. Orally administered, homeopathic flu vaccines may be used by all ages and can help to protect against influenza infection, without the side effects and complications sometimes experienced by the conventional flu vaccine.
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