By now you've all heard of the swine flu outbreak that has started to spread around the world. To date there have only been a handful of cases in the United States and all have resolved without the use of any medication; however, there have been a few hundred cases in Mexico that unfortunately have been deadly. As seen in previous deadly outbreaks and what makes this swine flu even more ominous is that those killed ranged in ages from 20-50, a typically healthy age group. Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently raised its worldwide "alert level," which it has not done since the Hong Kong pandemic in 1968, where nearly one million people died. Is this recent swine flu something that you need to be worried about? How can you protect yourself and your family?
Swine Flu vs. Seasonal Flu
Normally swine flu, as the name implies, only affects pigs. This virus, however, it seems has recently changed from its original form and therefore has "jumped" from pigs to humans. What makes this virus, named H1N1, particularly different and potentially dangerous is that it can spread from human to human.
Seasonal flu occurs every year, usually during the "cold and flu season" that usually lasts from December to March. The 2008-2009 flu season was a mild one, but like each year, it is estimated that between 250,000 to 500,000 people died from seasonal flu. What is different and worries health officials about H1N1 is that it seems to spread from human to human more quickly and easily than typical seasonal flu and because this swine flu mutated so quickly, there is no vaccine for it.
What to Watch Out for
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Also, if you or someone you know have these symptoms and have traveled to San Diego County or Imperial County, California or San Antonio, Texas within 7 days prior to the illness onset, there is reason for concern. If you have any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to get checked by your doctor, where a nasal respiratory swab will help confirm or deny a diagnosis.
Prevention Possible
Current public health officials have recommended healthy hygiene practices to avoid the spread of swine flu. Washing of hands, getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of fluids and eating healthy foods are great places to start. Obviously, avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick is a no-brainer. Some research suggests that zinc and selenium might improve your body's natural antibody response to the flu while the use of a Neti pot (nasal irrigation) prevents the virus from "setting up shop" in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Treatment After Infection?
Luckily there are plenty of things we can do to help those who unfortunately become ill. Conventionally, we know that H1N1 can be controlled with Tamiflu and/or Relenza. In addition, high doses of vitamin C, typically given intravenously, along with hydrogen peroxide can help get the virus under control.
It is yet to be determined if this current outbreak of swine flu will be as dangerous as some health officials are predicting. In the mean time, taking the appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family with a healthy dose of prevention is a great place to start.
Self Treatment For Urinary Tract Infections - Home Remedies For a UTI
Self treatment for urinary tract infections is perfectly possible providing the infection isn't too severe. Indeed there are various effective home remedies for a UTI which will at the very least, bring some pain relief and may be sufficient to cure the infection.
Firstly, when considering self treatment, you should ensure your symptoms are not indicative of a serious kidney infection, which will necessitate urgent medical attention. If you have the following symptoms and they have not persisted for more than a day or two, it is fine to use self treatment for urinary tract infections.
* Burning and/or pain when urinating
* Cloudy looking urine which has a strong odor
* Mild abdominal pain
* A general feeling of being "unwell"
* Mild fever
* An urgent need to urinate even if the volume is low
However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, do not try any home remedies, but head of to your doctors for advice as you could be at risk of permanent kidney damage.
Symptoms Of A Severe Infection
* Very high fever accompanied by shivering
* Back pain which is above waist height
* Traces of blood in the urine or dark colored urine
* Severe abdominal pain
* Nausea
Assuming that your symptoms fall into the first category, try the following home remedies for a UTI.
* Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water to help flush the infection from your system-a daily glass or two of unsweetened cranberry juice can also help as it prevents the bacteria adhering to the bladder walls
* Use heat treatment on your abdomen, such as a hot water bottle or microwaveable heat pad. This will give some relief to the dull ache which often accompanies a UTI
* Only wear cotton panties as synthetic fabrics can help create the ideal conditions in which bacteria can flourish
* Take a mild painkiller
* It is generally advisable to take showers rather than baths, but a few minutes in clean, warm bathwater, with no added perfumed products can be very soothing (you should avoid the use of all perfumed products around the vaginal area)
* Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol
If you find that the symptoms persist after trying these measures, there is a completely natural treatment which you can use in combination with the home remedies for a uti as described above. Natural methods can not only get rid of the infection faster than antibiotics, but also work in a way to enhance and strengthen the body's own natural healing abilities. The method which I recommend uses one simple tasteless ingredient and will begin to get rid of the pain within an hour and most people find that they are completely symptom-free within 24 hours (for many this is much less).
The treatment is completely safe for people of all ages and can be taken alongside any other forms of medication. In addition, it has no harmful side effects whatsoever.
Firstly, when considering self treatment, you should ensure your symptoms are not indicative of a serious kidney infection, which will necessitate urgent medical attention. If you have the following symptoms and they have not persisted for more than a day or two, it is fine to use self treatment for urinary tract infections.
* Burning and/or pain when urinating
* Cloudy looking urine which has a strong odor
* Mild abdominal pain
* A general feeling of being "unwell"
* Mild fever
* An urgent need to urinate even if the volume is low
However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, do not try any home remedies, but head of to your doctors for advice as you could be at risk of permanent kidney damage.
Symptoms Of A Severe Infection
* Very high fever accompanied by shivering
* Back pain which is above waist height
* Traces of blood in the urine or dark colored urine
* Severe abdominal pain
* Nausea
Assuming that your symptoms fall into the first category, try the following home remedies for a UTI.
* Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water to help flush the infection from your system-a daily glass or two of unsweetened cranberry juice can also help as it prevents the bacteria adhering to the bladder walls
* Use heat treatment on your abdomen, such as a hot water bottle or microwaveable heat pad. This will give some relief to the dull ache which often accompanies a UTI
* Only wear cotton panties as synthetic fabrics can help create the ideal conditions in which bacteria can flourish
* Take a mild painkiller
* It is generally advisable to take showers rather than baths, but a few minutes in clean, warm bathwater, with no added perfumed products can be very soothing (you should avoid the use of all perfumed products around the vaginal area)
* Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol
If you find that the symptoms persist after trying these measures, there is a completely natural treatment which you can use in combination with the home remedies for a uti as described above. Natural methods can not only get rid of the infection faster than antibiotics, but also work in a way to enhance and strengthen the body's own natural healing abilities. The method which I recommend uses one simple tasteless ingredient and will begin to get rid of the pain within an hour and most people find that they are completely symptom-free within 24 hours (for many this is much less).
The treatment is completely safe for people of all ages and can be taken alongside any other forms of medication. In addition, it has no harmful side effects whatsoever.
Avoiding the Swine Flu
Although this new strain of swine flu that is currently making rounds in Mexico and around the world is simply another strain of influenza, due to its ability to easily affect anyone it comes in contact with caution should be taken to avoid becoming sick with swine flu. If you have children, are particularly susceptible to colds and flu, or have any kind of immune problems then you should certainly do everything you can to no come down with swine flu.
Here are a few things you can do to keep from getting the swine flu:
1) Avoid public places: schools, churches, and public transportation are places where people are in continuous close contact, making it the perfect place for illnesses like the swine flu to multiply.
2) Wash and disinfect: wash your hands anytime you come into contact with someone else, as well as before and after you eat. Buy some Lysol disinfectant and use it on your doorknobs, counters and anywhere you touch regularly.
3) Avoid sick people: stay away from anyone who is showing flu symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or fever.
4) Stay home: while this may not be an option for most people, the more you avoid contact with others the better chance you have of not picking up the flu. Try heading to public places (like the grocery store) when they are less busy, and take this opportunity to catch up on some housework or home improvement.
5) Be prepared: pick up some Tamiflu and enough food to last a few days, including lots of juice in case you get sick. Locate your nearest emergency center and pay attention to public announcements about the swine flu.
6) Get a mask: wearing an approved filter mask can prevent the transmission of the swine flu from one person to another. Consider getting one to wear if you need to head out to a public area where the flu can spread easily.
For most people who get the swine flu they will simply have a few days of flu like symptoms, however it is important to keep an eye out for more serious symptoms such as a high fever, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness. With some precautions we can avoid the spread of swine flu.
Here are a few things you can do to keep from getting the swine flu:
1) Avoid public places: schools, churches, and public transportation are places where people are in continuous close contact, making it the perfect place for illnesses like the swine flu to multiply.
2) Wash and disinfect: wash your hands anytime you come into contact with someone else, as well as before and after you eat. Buy some Lysol disinfectant and use it on your doorknobs, counters and anywhere you touch regularly.
3) Avoid sick people: stay away from anyone who is showing flu symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or fever.
4) Stay home: while this may not be an option for most people, the more you avoid contact with others the better chance you have of not picking up the flu. Try heading to public places (like the grocery store) when they are less busy, and take this opportunity to catch up on some housework or home improvement.
5) Be prepared: pick up some Tamiflu and enough food to last a few days, including lots of juice in case you get sick. Locate your nearest emergency center and pay attention to public announcements about the swine flu.
6) Get a mask: wearing an approved filter mask can prevent the transmission of the swine flu from one person to another. Consider getting one to wear if you need to head out to a public area where the flu can spread easily.
For most people who get the swine flu they will simply have a few days of flu like symptoms, however it is important to keep an eye out for more serious symptoms such as a high fever, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness. With some precautions we can avoid the spread of swine flu.
Discover How to Combat Swine Flu With Aromatherapy
The Swine Flu Pandemic is sweeping the world and people are scared and frightened. People need to find alternative ways to prevent and combat this flu and all other illness sweeping to days world. With this in mind I would suggest trying Aromatherapy. Old fashion Essential Oil Blends, which have been using for many hundreds of years, are a fantastic way to help combat flu's, illnesses and injuries.
In the history of essential oil you will find that they were used as perfume, food flavoring, deodorant, a pharmaceutical or as an embalming antiseptic and the impure and diluted extracts are oftentimes used as oils or creams because of the science of smell. The history of this reaches back throughout time to the period of ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt, to the today's technology of the 20th century. With today's technology which allows chemicals to be separated and used as a building block to introduce particular flavors and aromas into a product the way we are able to use oils in the uses of aromatherapy have no limits or boundaries.
When using oils for the uses with aromatherapy you can also have an environmentally friendly household, you would be able to environmentally friendly clean your home and not only do your bit with the environment you would be also helping with the health of your family. Remedies natural, verses remedies that have chemicals in them, you really can see the difference in the benefits.
When looking to purchase oils for uses with Aromatherapy you need to make sure you are getting 100% pure essential oil, because there are many companies selling oils today, that their oil are not pure oil and are no way 100% pure essential oil. Although these oils are being sold cheaper and you think you are getting a bargain, in fact you are not getting any benefit out of using these oils what so ever.
Also when you are searching for companies to purchase your oil make sure that they offer information on their products and a large range of different blends and what their benefits are. They should also have a range of books, Aromatherapy Cabinets, Aromatherapy Diffusers, Aromatherapy Gift Packs, Vibrational Sprays and Air Fresheners to choose from plus the information that goes along with their products.
You must, when purchasing Oils make sure that they are 100% Pure Essential Oil, for the benefits of Aromatherapy to be effective, purchasing any thing less will not be effective.
In the history of essential oil you will find that they were used as perfume, food flavoring, deodorant, a pharmaceutical or as an embalming antiseptic and the impure and diluted extracts are oftentimes used as oils or creams because of the science of smell. The history of this reaches back throughout time to the period of ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt, to the today's technology of the 20th century. With today's technology which allows chemicals to be separated and used as a building block to introduce particular flavors and aromas into a product the way we are able to use oils in the uses of aromatherapy have no limits or boundaries.
When using oils for the uses with aromatherapy you can also have an environmentally friendly household, you would be able to environmentally friendly clean your home and not only do your bit with the environment you would be also helping with the health of your family. Remedies natural, verses remedies that have chemicals in them, you really can see the difference in the benefits.
When looking to purchase oils for uses with Aromatherapy you need to make sure you are getting 100% pure essential oil, because there are many companies selling oils today, that their oil are not pure oil and are no way 100% pure essential oil. Although these oils are being sold cheaper and you think you are getting a bargain, in fact you are not getting any benefit out of using these oils what so ever.
Also when you are searching for companies to purchase your oil make sure that they offer information on their products and a large range of different blends and what their benefits are. They should also have a range of books, Aromatherapy Cabinets, Aromatherapy Diffusers, Aromatherapy Gift Packs, Vibrational Sprays and Air Fresheners to choose from plus the information that goes along with their products.
You must, when purchasing Oils make sure that they are 100% Pure Essential Oil, for the benefits of Aromatherapy to be effective, purchasing any thing less will not be effective.
Cold and Flu Defense - 5 Secrets to Keep You Healthy
Cold and flu defense is usually only a topic of interest once it's too late, and even if you're sniffling and sneezing as you read this sentence, at least you'll know what to do next time to prevent this from happening again.
First, let's quickly go over how these germs spread in the first place, since that will be a main focus of how we're going to avoid and/or eliminate those little buggers.
In the case of the common cold and the flu, they can both be spread by coming into contact with an infected person's saliva or nasal secretions, which happens when your best friend or closest compadre at work decides to sneeze or cough.
Sure, covering their mouth may help reign in the total reach a little bit, but chances are good that you will come in contact with them sooner or later.
For example, even if you don't get hit by the direct stream, you may still touch contaminated surfaces, in most instances with your hands of course, which will come into contact with your face and well, that's when the fun begins.
So, now that you know how it spreads, it's not too tough to eliminate several possibilities of getting infected by these two, very irritating viral attacks.
Are some of these obvious? Absolutely. But, do you practice them on a regular basis? Probably not, so take this reminder and try to stick to these guidelines from now.
Cold and Flu Defense - 5 Secrets to Keep You Healthy
* First, wash your hands regularly with soap as frequently as possible, especially before you eat, as you can't avoid contact with germs. By the way, your fingernails carry more germs than any other body part.
* Secondly, keep your hands away from your face or at least wash your hands before doing so. Common sense dictates that this is a very effective way of eliminating the chances of getting a cold or the flu.
Now, just in case, a couple of germs manage to slip through, how do you deal with that situation? At this juncture, the virus has made its way into your system, and the immune system which is the body's final line of defense comes into play. In order for the immune system to perform at an optimum level, you have to ensure that you take care of yourself in the following ways to build an impregnable immunity level.
* So, the third tip would be to drink plenty of water everyday with an 80/20 alkaline to acidic diet to go with it, which maintains the pH level of your body at 7.35 and thus helps in building a strong immune system.
* Fourth, exercise regularly and ensure that you get eight hours of shut-eye. Your body needs it!
* Finally, as additional precautionary measures, take Vitamin C and E to build your resistance to germs and attacks of all kinds.
First, let's quickly go over how these germs spread in the first place, since that will be a main focus of how we're going to avoid and/or eliminate those little buggers.
In the case of the common cold and the flu, they can both be spread by coming into contact with an infected person's saliva or nasal secretions, which happens when your best friend or closest compadre at work decides to sneeze or cough.
Sure, covering their mouth may help reign in the total reach a little bit, but chances are good that you will come in contact with them sooner or later.
For example, even if you don't get hit by the direct stream, you may still touch contaminated surfaces, in most instances with your hands of course, which will come into contact with your face and well, that's when the fun begins.
So, now that you know how it spreads, it's not too tough to eliminate several possibilities of getting infected by these two, very irritating viral attacks.
Are some of these obvious? Absolutely. But, do you practice them on a regular basis? Probably not, so take this reminder and try to stick to these guidelines from now.
Cold and Flu Defense - 5 Secrets to Keep You Healthy
* First, wash your hands regularly with soap as frequently as possible, especially before you eat, as you can't avoid contact with germs. By the way, your fingernails carry more germs than any other body part.
* Secondly, keep your hands away from your face or at least wash your hands before doing so. Common sense dictates that this is a very effective way of eliminating the chances of getting a cold or the flu.
Now, just in case, a couple of germs manage to slip through, how do you deal with that situation? At this juncture, the virus has made its way into your system, and the immune system which is the body's final line of defense comes into play. In order for the immune system to perform at an optimum level, you have to ensure that you take care of yourself in the following ways to build an impregnable immunity level.
* So, the third tip would be to drink plenty of water everyday with an 80/20 alkaline to acidic diet to go with it, which maintains the pH level of your body at 7.35 and thus helps in building a strong immune system.
* Fourth, exercise regularly and ensure that you get eight hours of shut-eye. Your body needs it!
* Finally, as additional precautionary measures, take Vitamin C and E to build your resistance to germs and attacks of all kinds.
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