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The flu can be a dangerous illness, especially for children. Because of smaller body size, and developing systems, children are at an increased risk with regards to all the symptoms of the flu. Adults usually don’t get the stomach-related symptoms that deprive a child of nutrients when they need them most.

Treating the Flu Conventionally

If your children contract the flu, it is vital for them to get plenty of rest. Don’t allow them to engage in strenuous exercise or play. Even if they do not feel fatigued for the first few days, be firm. The body must be in a state of rest if it is to cope with the sickness brought by the virus.

Don’t forget to give your children plenty of fluids. Water is especially helpful, as are isotonic sport drinks. Because children with the flu can also get diarrhea, replacing lost salts and water soluble vitamins is crucial to their recovery. If your children use alcohol or tobacco, you will need to see to it that they stop. Both these substances cause damage to the immune system, thereby making the entire flu experience worse.

Children and teenagers should also avoid taking aspirin when they have the flu, even if there is a fever. Taking aspirin during the flu can lead to Reye Syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal liver ailment. Also, while not generally known, fevers can assist the body in fighting off infection, influenza included.

The Use of Medication

There are three antiviral drugs approved for the purpose of preventing the flu. These are oseltavimir, rimantidine, and amantadine. All three are prescription drugs and thus require the recommendation of a doctor before they can be consumed. Another drug, zanamivir, has been approved in the United States for use in the treatment of the flu.

Giving medications to children should be done with a great deal of thought, and consult with a pediatrician. Many stores offer over the counter remedies. There are special children’s formulas of over the counter flu medicines available that may be of some help to your child. These can help treat the aches, fatigue, coughs, and respiratory problems associated with the flu. Unfortunately, these medicines do nothing against the root of the problem, which is the reproduction and subsequent spreading of the virus itself.

When it comes to children, it is best not to experiment with “alternative” flu treatments that may have worked for you or another family member. Many of these treatments have not been tested, let alone approved by a regulatory agency. Thus their true reliability and efficacy is unproven; as is the ability to predict long term consequences to a developing body. In addition, the doses commonly available are not made with children in mind. While over the counter medicines and prescription drugs have many side effects, that information is well known by the doctors that recommend them. Perhaps one day robust clinical trials will be performed on homeopathic remedies, and they will be found safe and useful for children. Until then, it is best to go with what is known by licensed medical practitioners.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site.

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Tags: amantadine, Flu, rimantidine, sport drinks, zanamivir

The Avian Influenza: What is it? The avian influenza virus, also known as the bird flu, is often carried by wild birds. The virus does not kill its wild carriers, as their immune systems have been honed over thousands of years to get rid of it. On the other hand, it is deadly to domesticated birds such as chickens and turkeys.

The bird flu is a relative of the flu virii which move around the globe to infect humans on a yearly basis. Like these virus strains, the Avian flu also has its start in Asia. However, the Avian flu is significantly different, the human immune system does not know how to fight it immediately. The time lag is long enough that the avian flu can do serious damage to the body. Fortunately for humanity, the virus also does not yet have the ability to infect humans with ease. Although, the Avian flu is making strides in that direction.

The bird flu virus is primarily passed on through the secretion of infected animals. This includes the saliva, mucus, and feces of the birds. While the virus can transmit casually from bird to bird, it cannot easily transmit from bird to human or from human to human. Nevertheless, its ability to kill and cripple are nothing short of stunning.

The first indications of the avian flu’s incredible effects were put on display when domesticated chickens contracted the virus and died. Health concerns forced governments to crack down on poultry farmers. Resulting in loss of millions of animals in nations where starvation and malnourishment are the norm. For the most part, humans are in not in direct danger from the bird flu. Most cases of bird flu have come from people who were in direct contact with infected bird secretions, as would be present in freshly-laid eggs.

Why the World Is Afraid

The avian flu virus is feared for two main reasons. First, like the flu that makes thousands of people sick each year, there is no cure to save what the immune system can do for itself. Historically, the influenzas we are all familiar with have, at one time or another, come in strains that our immune systems could not readily handle. This resulted in large numbers of human deaths. These flu seasons are referred to as pandemics, and they do occur on a periodic basis. Our best defense against a pandemic remains vaccination. The influenza group of virii is extremely contagious and mutate rapidly. Combined with the deadliness of the avian strain, the bird flu becomes a strain to be respectful of - in the watchfulness and combat sense.

Second, as with any other life form, viruses appear capable of evolving. It is possible, therefore, that the lethal strain of this virus may develop the mutations necessary to infect humans via casual contact. Furthermore, this mutant strain may multiply quickly enough to spread to many humans all over the world. It is possible, like other influenza strains that resulted in pandemics, the avian flu may spread too quickly for the world community to control.

Current levels of world trade require large numbers of people to move in and out of countries and continents. If a pandemic of avian flu occurs, it would be a byproduct of globalization. Overpopulated third world countries and impoverished areas in more developed nations may well get hit first and hardest. This will only serve to exacerbate the spread of the disease.

The real concern is not what the avian flu virus is right now; it is what it could become. Many scientists believe that the bird flu can someday mutate into a form that can be transmitted through the air. When that happens, and if we still do not have a cure for the bird flu, or an effective vaccination, human kind will be in big trouble. There is no way of knowing when, or if, the bird flu will make the evolutionary jump to infect humans casually. Nevertheless, scientists around the world are not sitting idle in the race to develop vaccines and cures. Today, many products are being sold that claim to work against the bird flu, but until an outbreak occurs, there is no real way to gauge their effectiveness.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site.

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Tags: avian flu virus, bird flu virus, Flu, immune systems

When you have the flu, your first priority is getting well. Here are some things that you can try in order to get better from the flu:

Stay at home. There are limits to the air filtration systems in almost all settings. When you are in a store, you may also leave behind virus particles that can infect other people. As an example, one person going to work while suffering with the flu can infect everyone else in the office in a matter of hours. Your co-workers and supervisors will appreciate it more if you take the proper care of yourself, and at the same time, refrain from passing the flu on to them.

The flu is often accompanied by fatigue and muscles aches. Unnecessary stress should not be made on the body during this time. Bed rest is often advisable. While you may want to take a leisurely walk, this is not the time to start an intensive fitness regime. If at all possible, try to let the sunshine and fresh air into your room. Not only will this brighten up the atmosphere, it will help clear out the flu particles from the air. Avoid becoming chilled; as reduced temperature will slow down your circulation, and therefore, decrease the speed at which white blood cells can get to infected areas. While being warm is very important, you should also combine that with plenty of rest in order to conserve energy.

Get treatment as soon as possible. As soon as you think that you are coming down with the flu, make it your business to get tested. Waiting until you are sure that you have the flu makes little sense. By the time you are sure, the virus has already gotten a good 2 - 3 days jump start on any medication you might be given.

Make a few lifestyle changes. While you are trying to keep warm and resting in bed, you have the perfect opportunity to stop drinking alcohol or stop smoking. Both alcohol and nicotine wreak havoc on the entire body. Weakening the immune system with these drugs leaves you more vulnerable to the attacks of the flu virus and many other diseases.

Take your vitamins regularly. Vitamin C is a wonderful supplement for the immune system. Even if you do not have the flu, taking Vitamin C each day will improve your body’s capacity to fight infection, and put you on the road to recovery when necessary.

Drink plenty of fluids. This allows your body to do a better job of disposing of toxins. It also facilitates a number of your bodily processes. When you have a fever, the body becomes dehydrated. Water, fruit juices, and soup are all great candidates to help your body recover. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, sip water regularly.

Take paracetamol aspirin, or ibuprofen. These drugs will relieve your headaches and any inflammations, aches, and pains. Decongestants, cough medicines, gargles, and lozenges can all serve to alleviate respiratory symptoms.

By using these common sense methods to beat the flu, you should be able to get up and running before you know it. Last but not least, perhaps the most sensible “cures” for the flu are the ones that happen before you come in contact with the virus. Washing you hands and being mindful of what touches the mucus membranes of your eyes, nose, and mouth can go a long way towards preventing the flu virus from getting into your body. Yearly vaccination is also a very important weapon in the arsenal against the flu. Not only may you have reduced symptoms, you may not get sick at all!

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site.

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Tags: alcohol, bed rest, fatigue, Flu, immune system, nicotine

There are a variety of illnesses a person can come down with throughout the year. One of the most miserable, and unfortunately most common is the flu. While the flu may keep you in bed for a few days, that does not mean you are helpless when it comes to alleviating the symptoms. There are a few different treatments available. Some prefer to go to their doctor and get tested to make sure they have the flu, and then take prescription medications. Others seem to prefer more holistic or self-healing methods, and herbal treatments. There are a number of herbal remedies that can help with almost all aspects of the flu.

Echinacea is a very popular herbal treatment. This herbal remedy is famous for stimulating the immune system. As one may expect, anything that boosts the immune system’s ability to react and respond faster is bound to lead to a faster, less eventful recovery. For many people, Echinacea also reduces the severity of certain flu-related symptoms. Any reduction in symptoms like congestion, fever, and muscle pain will make getting well much easier. Echinacea comes in different varieties such as liquid, powder, and as a dried root. This type of herb is best used only for short-term duration.

Ginger is another type of herb which may prove useful in treating flu symptoms. This herb has been shown to reduce fever and pain. It also helps many individuals to relax. Getting plenty of rest is vital to a speedy recovery from the flu. The antiviral properties of ginger make it very useful for getting rid of the flu. Ginger also has a delightful, spicy clean taste and scent. No matter how sick you are feeling, the aroma of ginger works its way in your system to help you feel better.

Elderberry extract is another type of herbal treatment which individuals have used to combat flu symptoms. This herb has been shown to reduce the severity of several flu symptoms quickly and efficiently. Research done during the 1999 - 2000 flu season in Norway revealed patients recovering, on average, four days faster than people that did not take elderberry extract. According to some studies, Elderberry works its charm by weakening the virus’s ability to pierce cell membranes. This herb has been known to work well against influenza strains A and B, as well as several other virii.

No anti-viral arsenal could possibly be complete without Garlic. This pungent bulb has been known for centuries to cure everything from warts to witchcraft. Not surprisingly, when microbes were discovered, the role of Garlic in combating viruses and bacteria received some attention. In modern times, Garlic is still making headlines. One of the strongest antimicrobial chemicals found in garlic is called Allicin. As bacteria become resistant to our most powerful antibiotics, this natural chemical is proving to vanquish even the most stubborn mutants. Furthermore, raw garlic can prevent all sorts of harmful bacteria from colonizing the digestive tract. Garlic is considered one of the safest herbs, and can be found in almost all kitchens, individuals taking medications or about to undergo surgery should check with their doctors before taking. While chewing on a fresh clove of garlic is likely to keep just about anything away, the liquid gel form works just as well on many ailments. Some have stated that fresh garlic may be the better variety to take in order to combat the flu. Taking this natural antibiotic is almost certain to yield results for the person suffering with a bout of the flu.

Some people may find that they obtain the best results when combining certain herbs. Teas which contain various herbs can be quite helpful in getting rid of the flu. Peppermint and rosemary combined together in a single tea may have forceful effect on flu symptoms. Like ginger, their aromatic flavor and strong aroma have a way of knocking through congestion and opening up the air passages.

In some cases, herbal treatments have centuries of tradition to attest to their efficacy. Modern scientists are also finding the validation for these traditions in the form of reproducible and predictable results in their laboratories. For someone suffering from the flu, herbal supplements may provide fewer side effects, and make the patient feel more comfortable. These items may provide a natural way to fight the influenza virus, while making the symptoms less severe overall. Nevertheless, it is always important to read about the herbs beforehand to determine which ones to take. It is also important to consult with a doctor to make sure the herbs will not interfere or react with other medications.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: echinacea, Flu, ginger, Herbal Remedies, immune system

Although alternative medicine is not often regulated by the government, it offers new avenues that may not be explored by conventional medicine. Some people have obtained relief from difficult ailments by utilizing a wide variety of holistic medicines. The flu is one of those ailments whose symptoms prove difficult to treat with conventional remedies.

While there are many medications that work wonders against the flu and its symptoms, there is no quick cure. By keeping informed about alternative treatments, and perhaps trying a few, you may find something that works well. If enough people find alternative treatments that relieve them of their ailments, eventually contemporary medicine will embrace these treatments; thus making them more available to others.

Acupuncture is the perfect example of a treatment that has gone from being considered quackery to a position where its practitioners are licensed, and insurance carriers will pay for treatments. The related form, acupressure (which does not use needles), is fast gaining ground as a viable means of treating a wide variety of symptoms. While the flu cannot be cured by acupressure, its symptoms can be alleviated. Below are examples of some acupressure points that can help relieve flu symptoms. Use your fingertips to apply pressure to the following areas for three minutes.

1. The point where the bridge of your nose meets the ridge of your eyebrows. This point relieves itchy eyes and nasal congestion.
2. The bottom of either the right or left cheekbone, directly under the pupil. It serves the same function as the first point.
3. The hollows at the base of the skull, two inches apart from either side of the spine. This relieves eye strain and headaches.
4. Massaging the feet increases blood circulation, thus providing for faster healing.

Aromatherapy is also gaining attention as a viable form of therapy. Many oils are known to have the capacity to boost the body’s immune system, and thus can be used as preventative measures. At the beginning of the flu season, you might want to try a drop of tea tree oil mixed with lemon and water and gargle each day. This gargle may help you fend off the flu virus altogether. If you begin to notice symptoms of the flu, you might want to try a few oils known to boost your immune system.

Essential oils like basil, peppermint, eucalyptus, and pine help to relive nasal congestion. These should be taken through steam inhalation. Basil and pine can also be used to relieve chest congestion, along with tea tree oil. These oils clear up mucus, easing breathing patterns. These oils can be rubbed over the chest or inhaled.

Muscle aches can be alleviated by tea tree oil, myrrh, and elemi. Pine can also help. These oils should be used in a bath. If you have a fever, try a lukewarm bath. If you have the chills, have a hot bath.

Hydrotherapy or promoting sweats went out of usage in conventional medicine many decades ago. At the time it was dismissed right along with leeches, and many other treatments. Whether or not hydrotherapy was truly useless, or even harmful, depends a great deal on whether or not the physicians of yore diagnosed correctly and employed this therapy correctly. Unfortunately we will never know the answer to that, as these doctors did not have the diagnostic tools that are available today. Indigenous people the world over have successfully used sweats for thousands of years. Perhaps hydrotherapy will make a comeback in conventional medicine, much as leeches are being reconsidered for their usefulness on some occasions.

When you have the flu, it is important to keep the feet warm at all times. It is no secret that a lower body temperature makes the body less resistant to viruses and bacteria. Thus, every effort must be made to keep warm. Many people have found their flu symptoms being alleviated by promoting sweat. Hot baths, hot foot-baths, and other heat therapies can do wonders. Among other thing, increased temperature at appropriate intervals increases circulation. Increased circulation translates to more white blood cells moving through infected areas, thus allowing them to get at and destroy the flu virus particles faster.

By trying these alternative cures, you just might discover ways to fight the flu faster and more easily. While these remedies may not be endorsed by practitioners of conventional medicine, discussing these alternatives with your physician can help him/her see that there are other options available. If they see it works, they too, will use it.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site.

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Tags: acupressure, acupuncture, alternative medicine, Flu, holistic medicines