Tamiflu - An Effective Treatment for A H1N1 ( swine flu)

by Celsey

What is swine flu? Swine flu or swine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza A virus. Though swine flu normally only infects pigs but the 2009 outbreak involves a new H1N1 type A influenza strain. It contains genes from pig, bird and human flu viruses. The swine flu virus originated in Mexico in March 2009 and within a few months it has affected thousands of people in several countries across the world. Because of it being spread worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the 2009 outbreak of the new H1N1 flu to be a global pandemic. Swine flu strains can spread fast because no one has natural immunity and so it is easy to catch and transmit the disease.

Swine flu symptoms The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those reported in common flu. The severity of the symptoms depends on an individual's resistance levels and on the treatment being provided. Some of the commonly reported symptoms of swine flu include -

* Fever above 38?C (100.4?F) * Cough * Sore throat * Body aches * Chills * Headache

Symptoms of swine flu develop within 3 to 5 days after the victim is exposed to the virus. The symptoms continue for about 8 days, starting 1 day before the patient gets sick and continues until the patient has recovered. While some patients suffer mildly and recover within a week, in some patients the symptoms of swine flu may worsen, causing pneumonia and other chronic medical conditions. Thousands of people have died because of the aggravation of swine flu symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience headaches, fever or cold and if you develop symptoms after coming in contact with a person who has been exposed to the swine flu virus.

Swine flu prevention

* Maintain hygiene * Wash your hands frequently using soap or alcohol-based gel * Cover you face while sneezing or coughing * Stay away from crowds if possible. * Stay home if you fall sick to avoid infecting others * People who have or are suspected of having swine flu should wear a face mask

Swine flu treatment with Tamiflu Tamiflu oseltamivir is an oral antiviral drug belonging to the class of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. The drug is found to be effective against both Influenza A and Influenza B virus. The US FDA has also approved Tamiflu for the prevention and treatment of the swine flu virus.

The best way to get Tamiflu is to buy Tamiflu in online pharmacy RxHealthDrugs.com http://www.rxhealthdrugs.com/ For more information about Tamiflu or to buy Tamiflu http://www.rxhealthdrugs.com/brand/256/305/tamiflu-oseltamivir-phosphate

About the Author
Celsey

Natural Influenza Treatment

by Lorna Harvey

In the 1918 flu epidemic almost twenty million people died. Doctors using drugs to battle the epidemic saw around 33% of their patients die from the flu, whereas natural hospitals such as one run by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg were having a 100% recovery rate. Dr. Kellogg shared his influenza protocols in an article in 1918. The following information is taken from that article.

First, the patients were doing water enemas twice a day to clean their bowels. They'd use two or three pints of warm water and would cleanse their colon thoroughly, until all of the filth was removed. The enemas started at the beginning of the disease and continued until complete recovery.

Second, the patients were drinking three or four quarts of water or fruit juice each day to promote elimination through the kidneys and skin. A glass was taken each half hour, when awake. Fiber, such as bran, was mixed into foods including oatmeal and rice to promote bowel movements and the elimination of the problem.

Short hot baths and hot blanket packs were used to ease fevers and help with pain in the back and legs. A hot blanket pack entailed wrapping a person in a "hot as they could stand," wrung-out wet blanket for twelve to fifteen minutes. A wool blanket covered the outside of the wet blanket, and heads and faces were kept cool. If the pulse was rapid, an ice pack was held over the heart. For very high fevers, the hot blanket packs were used only for four or five minutes.

Cold compresses were used for headaches. For high fevers, a cold compress was used immediately after a short hot blanket pack to bring down the fever.

In 1918 there wasn't the sugary, chemical laden or processed foods that are available today. It is be a good idea to avoid these types of foods but more important during a time of sickness to allow the body to heal. Patients were also kept in bed for several days after the fever was gone.

About the Author
Are you looking for interesting health and wellness information? Visit Small Steps to Wellness for lots of great posts on health and wellness.

Influenza patients treated with Tamiflu has higher survival rates

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that two new observational studies concluded that influenza patients treated with Tamiflu(R) (oseltamivir phosphate) had significantly higher survival rates than untreated patients. The studies, examining nearly 1,000 people, analyzed outcomes for two different groups -adults and children diagnosed with the highly pathogenic A (H5N1) avian influenza and adults hospitalized with seasonal influenza. Results, which build on similar findings, were presented today at the 49th ICAAC annual meeting in San Francisco.

"These retrospective studies support the potential benefits of antiviral treatment in severe cases of influenza," said Dominick Iacuzio, Ph.D., medical director at Roche, which manufactures Tamiflu. "While Tamiflu is approved and used in many countries to treat and prevent all types of A and B influenza, these 'real-world' studies contribute to the body of clinical evidence."

Study Summaries

First Results from an Avian Influenza Case Registry (Presentation V-533) -- Sunday, September 13, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. PT, Marriott Salon 9.

The study examined outcomes data for 215 patients from 10 countries who were diagnosed with the virulent A (H5N1) avian influenza. The retrospective observational study found that untreated patients had a mortality rate of 88%, with 11 out of 89 (12%) untreated patients surviving, in contrast to survival of 45 out of 85 (53%) patients who received at least one dose of Tamiflu up to 8 days after symptom onset. Among a subset of patients who received Tamiflu within 2 days of symptom onset, 5 out of 7 patients (71%) survived.

The study was conducted by researchers from Avex Avian Influenza Expert Group and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, in collaboration with Roche. It is the first to systematically assess human A (H5N1) infection in multinational cases. Data were collected in-country and supplemented with data abstracted from published cases. Data were anonymized and reviewed for accuracy. Nearly all cases were confirmed at laboratories accredited by the World Health Organization (WHO).

"These data confirm the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment with Tamiflu. They also support previous studies indicating that treatment may still beneficial even after 48 hours," explained Dr. Iacuzio.

The A (H5N1) avian influenza virus continues to spread throughout parts of Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Since 2003, the WHO has reported 440 human cases of A (H5N1), 262 of them fatal. Most recently, two new human cases were reported in Egypt on August 31, 2009 (www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/)

Outcomes of Adults Hospitalized with Influenza, 2007 - 2008 (Poster 577) - Sunday, September 13, 2009, 11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. PT, Hall B.

The study analyzed 760 patients hospitalized with severe seasonal influenza, half of whom received Tamiflu>

The retrospective, observational study was conducted in two general hospitals in Hong Kong during a 24-month period, studying patients over the age of 18 who were hospitalized with confirmed influenza. Most patients were older (average age 70), 60% had underlying chronic illness, and 78% were hospitalized with influenza complications.

Information about Influenza treatment

by onlineclinic.co.uk

Influenza virus got first acknowledged in 1933. There are two main types of influenza: influenza A and influenza B. Influenza A usually causes a more severe illness than influenza B. So what is influenza exactly? Influenza or 'flu' (as we know it commonly) is a respiratory illness associated with infection by influenza virus. Some of the symptoms of influenza are headache, fever, cough, cold, sore throat, aching muscles and joints.

Though, these symptoms are mild, there may arise serious complications like bronchitis and secondary bacterial pneumonia. However you don't need to worry if you are attacked by the influenza virus, treatment for this nasty illness is now available.

On 9 February 2006 the UK Department of Health issued a letter to all general practitioners in England to inform them that the use of Tamiflu for the treatment or prophylaxis of influenza can be now prescribed. You can now buy Tamiflu and fight against influenza virus. The active ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir and it belongs to a class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors.

Tamiflu works by stopping the growth and spread of the influenza virus in your body. If you buy Tamiflu, it also helps shorten the time you have flu symptoms like nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, aches and muscle pain, headache, fever and chills. If you buy Tamiflu it helps reduce these symptoms and also shorten the span of your illness. Buy Tamiflu Tamiflu is the first and the most effective oral neuraminidase inhibitor developed. If you buy Tamiflu online, make sure you buy genuine and branded Tamiflu manufactured by Roche.

There are also many generic versions available in the market. However, the safety and efficacy of this generic drug containing oseltamivir cannot be guaranteed. The chances of getting Tamiflu side effects and health complications may also increase. Before you buy Tamiflu, you should weigh its benefits and side effects and only then you should take your decision. Tamiflu Side Effects If you buy Tamiflu, you might also experience some of the following Tamiflu side effects:

Nausea (without vomiting)
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Bronchitis
Abdominal pain
Dizziness
Headache
Cough
Insomnia
Vertigo
Fatigue

Most people who buy Tamiflu don't experience any Tamiflu side effects. However, there are some people who experience severe Tamiflu side effects. Buy Tamiflu online If you want to buy Tamiflu online , you need a prescription as it is a prescription only drug. You can get a prescription from your local GP or from an online doctor. To obtain a prescription online, all you need to do is fill in a consultation form. Tamiflu can be used as a precaution as well as treatment. So buy Tamiflu if you feel you are susceptible to influenza virus attack!

About the Author
Webmaster associated with online pharmacy "OnlineClinic.co.uk" this site provides various information on Tamiflu and helps people in curing Influenza, resources are available on site OnlineClinic.co.uk .

Reduce Fever and Fight the Cold and Flu With Boneset

by by Darrell Miller

Boneset was used by Native Americans for a valuable remedy against colds, flu, and fevers. Other common names that boneset is identified by include: thoroughwort, vegetable antimony, feverwort, agueweed, Indian sage, sweating plant, eupatorium, crossword, thoroughstem, thoroughwax, and wild Isaac. In most cases, boneset has been used primarily to treat fevers. They introduced boneset to the settlers in the New World. From 1820 through 1916, boneset was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia. This herb was also listed in the National Formulary from 1926 through 1950. Boneset has been used to restore strength in the stomach and spleen. It has also been used as a tonic for acute and chronic fevers. Dr. Edward E. Shook actually felt that boneset was beneficial for every kind of fever humans are subjected to. He also believed that it had never failed in overcoming influenza.

Recent research has found that boneset contains antiseptic properties that help to promote sweating. These properties also help in cases of colds and flu. Boneset has also been shown to contain antiviral properties and strengthen the immune system by enhancing the secretion of interferon. Additional studies have found that boneset is effective against minor viral and bacterial infections by stimulating white blood cells. Additionally, this herb has been used to treat indigestion and pain and may also contain some mild anti-inflammatory agents to help with conditions like arthritis.

Boneset is a perennial herb that has an erect stout and a hairy stem. It grows from two to four feet high, with branches at the top. The leaves of the boneset plant are large, opposite, united at the base, and lance-shaped. They grow anywhere between four to eight inches in length and taper into a sharp point. The edges of these leaves are finely toothed, with prominent veins. These leaves help to distinguish this plant species at first glance. The flower heads of the boneset plant are terminal and numerous, being large, and having anywhere from ten to twenty white florets. The plant possesses an aromatic odor, with an astringent and strongly bitter taste. This plant species varies considerably in size, hairiness, form of leaves, and inflorescence. It can typically be found flowering from July to September.

The entire herb is used to provide alterative, anti-inflamamtory, antiperiodic, antiviral, diaphoretic, emetic, febrifuge, purgative, nervine, and stimulant properties. The primary nutrients found in boneset include calcium, magnesium, PABA, potassium, and vitamins C and B-complex. Primarily, boneset has been shown to be extremely helpful in dealing with chills, colds, coughs, fever, flu, malaria, pain, rheumatism, typhoid fever, and yellow fever. Additionally, this herb is beneficial in treating bronchitis, catarrh, jaundice, liver disorders, measles, mumps, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, scarlet fever, sore throat, and worms. For more information on the many beneficial effects provided by boneset, please contact a representative from your local health food store.

Although there is no recent clinical evidence that guides the dosage of boneset, traditional use of the herb suggests that a dose be about two grams of leaves and flowers. The internal use of this herb should be tempered by the occurrence of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in this plant. For those women who are pregnant or lactating, this herb should not be used, as there have been documented adverse effects on those women who are pregnant and/or lactating.

Boneset is available in capsule, tablet, and liquid extract forms at your local or internet health food store. Look for name brands to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

About the Author
More information on boneset is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

Generic Tamiflu: The Sure Shot Treatment for Flu

by Susan Brown

Flu is one of the most dangerous maladies across the globe. Since it spreads very rapidly that makes it even more difficult to control. However, you need not to worry about. There is a sure shot treatment for flu- Generic Tamiflu. It's the medicine sold over 100 countries worldwide.

Generic Tamiflu is one of the most effective medications that are used to treat influenza or flu virus. The medicine is available in tablet as well as suspension form and suitable for adults and children over 1-year of age. Though it is considered very effective, Generic Tamiflu work best when taken within two days of infection or commencement of flu symptoms. You can take Generic Tamiflu to prevent flu as well.

How Generic Tamiflu works?

Basically Generic Tamiflu works in two ways:

First, it can help you minimize symptoms of flu such as weakness, headache, cough, and fever etc. Second, it helps you to prevent infection from flu. Generic Tamiflu has a substance that inhibits neuraminidase enzyme. The medication prevents spread of the flu-virus to other parts of the body.

Though there very few side effects and its safe for humans including children and women, in certain conditions, it's advised that you need to take precaution. You can take Generic Tamiflu if you who do not have history of heart problems, kidney disease, liver disease, lung problems among other serious problems.

If you are pregnant, it's better to avoid Generic Tamiflu. Though it's not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk, if you are a breast feeding mother, you should not use this medicine. Don't use Generic Tamiflu on infants below the age of one year.

The medicine is available in 30mg to 75 mg capsules. Usually, a dose of 75mg is taken twice a day. Since dosage differ person to person and situation to situation, before you begin Generic Tamiflu, it's advisable that you consult your doctor.

About the Author
Susan Brown is an associated editor to the website: www.genericmedix.co.uk - The Generic Drugs Portal. GenericMedix is committed to provide visitors with complete information on Generic Drugs, Latest News and its related topics. Your Feedback & comments will be highly appreciated at generic.medix@gmail.com.

Influenza, also known as flu

by Sulamita Berrezi

Influenza, also known as flu, is the clinical condition that results from infection with influenza viruses. The main effects of the influenza viruses are on the upper respiratory tract, the nose and throat, with possible spread and involvement of the lungs and bronchi. The disease is highly contagious and it has potential to cause wide spread epidemics affecting sizeable portion of a population at any time. Although it is more common during winter it may strike at any time. It affects people of all ages.

Symptoms Influenza strikes suddenly.
It usually begins with a chill, fever, headache and severe muscular pains. The patient feels miserable and weak. There is an inflammation in the nose and throat, which may spread down the windpipe to the lungs, resulting in a sore throat, cough, running of the nose and eyes. In milder case of influenza the temperature rises to 102 o F and lasts for two or three days. In severe cases, it may go upto 104 o F and last for four or five days. The consequent weakness and fatigue may continue for several weeks. This may be followed by a deep chest cough due to irritation in the windpipe.

Causes Influenza is what is known as germ disease.
It is, however, not caused primarily by the action of the germs as is generally believed, but develops due to a toxic and run-down condition of the system of the affected person. This condition is brought about by dietetic errors and a faulty style of living such as worry, over work, lack of proper exercise , living in stuffy rooms and keeping late hours. No disease germs can find lodgment and become active in the system of a person who is perfectly healthy in the true sense of the term. Influenza is passed on with ease from one affected person to an other especially to those who are also in an equally low vital stage. That is how an epidemic starts.

Treatment Influenza.
Like all other acute diseases, is a natural attempt at self-cleansing and if rightly treated in a natural way, immense good can ensue so far as the future health of the patient is concerned.

In the acute stage of influenza, a patient should abstain from all solid foods and only drink fruit and vegetable juices diluted with water, 50 - 50 for first three to five days, depending on the severity of the disease. The juice fast should be continued till the temperature comes down to normal.

The warm water enema should be taken daily during this period to cleanse the bowels. After fever subsides the patient may adopt an all-fruit diet for two or three days. In this regimen, the patient should take three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, oranges, pineapple, peaches and melons at five-hourly intervals. Bananas or dried, stewed or tinned fruits however, should not be taken. No other food stuff should be added to the fruit meals, otherwise the value of the treatment will be lost. This may be followed by a further two or three days on fruits and milk diet.

Thereafter, the patient may adopt a well-balanced diet of three basic food groups namely, (i) seeds, nuts and grains, (ii) vegetables, and (iii) fruits. Spices and condiments , and pickles, which make food more palatal and lead to overeating, must be avoided. Lemon juice may be used in salad dressing. Alcohol, tobacco, strong tea and coffee, highly seasoned meats, over-boiled milk, pulses, potato, rice, cheese, refined, processed, stale and tinned foods should all be avoided.

Certain remedies have been found highly beneficial in the treatment of influenza. The most important of these is the use of long pepper. Half a teaspoonful of the powder of the long pepper with two teaspoonfuls of honey and half a teaspoonful of juice of ginger should be taken thrice a day. This will help greatly if taken in initial stages of the disease. It is especially useful in avoiding complications which follow the onset of the disease, namely, the involvement of the larynx and bronchial tube.

Another excellent remedy for influenza is the green leaves of basil or tulsi plant. About one gram of these leaves should be boiled along with some ginger n half a litre of water till about half the water is left. This decoction should be taken as tea. It gives immediate relief.

Garlic and turmeric are other effective food medicines for influenza. Garlic is useful as a general antiseptic and should be given as much as the patient can bear. Garlic juice may also be sucked up the nose. A teaspoonful of turmeric powder should be mixed in a cup of warm milk and taken three times in the day. It will prevent complications arising from influenza and also activate the liver which becomes sluggish during the attack.

About the Author
Sulamita work on le canzoni del festival di sanremo negli anni 80, and canzoni sanremo anni 80and festival canzone italiana anni 80

About Common Cold and Influenza - What is the Difference (III)

By Knut Holt

THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF INFLUENZA

As with common cold staying away from people being sick and a strict washing regime may also prevent the transmission of the influenza virus, but such a regime is difficult to carry through.

It is often possible to prevent flu with vaccination. However there are many strains of the flu viruses, and therefore the vaccination must be given exactly against that strain being epidemic at any given time.

By flu it is important to reduce the activity level and keep oneself warm and comfortable until all the symptoms have resided. By severe symptoms, rest in bed is recommended. Straining and stressing during a flu episode easily result in an aggravated disease and additional bacterial or viral infections.

It is advised to stay away from tobacco when having flu.

Aspirin or paracetamol can be used to relieve the pain and bring down the fever. As by cold, paracetamol is commonly recommended, especially for children and teens. The drugs should not be taken in higher doses than recommended and even recommended does shall be used with caution, and not too long.

There exist modern drugs that help against the proliferation of some strains of influenza virus in the body, and thereby alleviate the disease and shorten the time it takes to get rid of the disease. The two classes of anti-virals are neuraminidase inhibitors and M2 inhibitors (adamantane derivatives). Neuraminidase inhibitors are most often preferred, for example the drug Tamiflu. These inhibit the action of the enzyme neuramidase that the virus uses. There is a reluctance to use these drugs because strains of virus not susceptible to the drug can develop, and the stores of the drug can easily get short with extensive use.

Drugs to decrease swelling, inhibit mucus production, loosen mucus and suppress cough can also be used by influenza as by common cold.

The same natural supplements used to improve the immune system against colds may also be of help to prevent flu and to help the body to overcome the disease faster, like supplements with Echinacea and vitamin c. Some herbs in the genus Scutellaria (skullcaps) contain a natural neuramidase inhibitor and may also help against flu. Scullcap is often prepared as tea.

DISTINGUISH COLD AND FLU FROM MENINGITIS

Meningitis is a serious disease that requires immediate treatment. Meningitis may begin with the same symptoms as cold and flu. There are however two symptoms that strongly suggest meningitis:

By meningitis there is often severe neck stiffness. If bending down the neck is very difficult and causes severe pain, the condition may be meningitis.

The other symptom is red spots in the skin that do not get pale when pressing at them. These spots can occur anywhere on the body.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHECKING A PERSON HAVING COLD OR FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS

When some person, and especially a child, gets sick with cold or flu-like symptoms it is necessary to measure the temperature, check for neck stiffness and to look at the whole body to detect any red spots. These checks should be done several times each 24 hours. In this way one more easily distinguishes between common cold and flu, and meningitis is more easily discovered in time.

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Flu Medications Comparison (II)

By Yury Bayarski

Dosage forms

Amantadine and Rimantadine are taken orally in pill form.
Tamiflu, the first neuraminidase inhibitor in pill form. It is also available as liquid suspension for children.
Zanamivir is administered by inhalation. Zanamivir can be inhaled using a device known as a Diskhaler.

Age

Zanamivir is used for people age 7 and older.
Oseltamivir is used to treat flu in people age 1 and older; to prevent flu in adults and children age 13 and older.
Amantadine is used in adults and in children older than age 1.
Rimantadine is used to prevent and treat type A influenza in adults and children age 1 and older.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects differ widely for each antiviral medication. The neuraminidase inhibitors generally cause fewer side effects than the older flu drugs.

Amantadine: The most common side effects associated with Amantadine relate to the nervous and gastrointestinal systems. Elderly people are especially sensitive to the effects of Amantadine. Amantadine may cause light-headedness, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, nervousness, insomnia, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. Elderly patients often have reduced renal function and are better treated with Rimantadine, which is 75% metabolized by the liver.

Rimantadine: CNS effects like light-headedness, dizziness, headache, difficulty concentrating, nervousness, insomnia, loss of balance, and seizures. Side effects occur less often with Rimantadine than Amantadine.

Zanamivir: Some people who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and use Zanamivir may experience reduced lung function and have difficulty breathing. Other side effects usually do not need medical attention, and may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Oseltamivir: The most frequent side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. These symptoms are mostly mild to moderate and generally occurred within the first two days of administration of the drug.

None of these drugs is recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing. These drugs have not been evaluated in pregnant women.

Cost

Both drugs Amantadine and Rimantadine are available as generic. Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are new medications and are available only as brand name drugs. Therefore, of the four antiviral flu medications, Zanamivir and Oseltamivir are the most expensive.

Conclusions

Amantadine and Rimantadine are of limited use today due to side effects and the rapid appearance of resistant virus that can be spread to close contacts. Furthermore, Amantadine is associated with several drug interactions (with antihistamines or other medications that stimulate the central nervous system) that may increase the risk of side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. Also they are only effective against influenza A, a less dangerous form of flu than influenza B.

Oseltamivir and Zanamivir have fewer side effects and may be used as a treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis of both A and B influenza. Additionally, they are better structured to treat and prevent mutating virus strains. Oseltamivir, that has recently become famous as an effective treatment for bird flu, is an orally administered drug and is more convenient to use than the inhaled administrated Zanamivir.

Although influenza viruses A and B have not developed resistance to Zanamivir or Oseltamivir at this time, resistance is possible with increased use of these medications.

Yury Bayarski is the author of Price-RX.com - a prescription drug price comparison website. Please follow this link if you would like to read more about flu prescription drugs

Flu Medications Comparison (I)

By Yury Bayarski

At present time four drugs in the United States are approved by the FDA for the treatment and prevention of flu:

Neuraminidase inhibitors: Oseltamivir (brand name: Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (brand name: Relenza)
Adamantane derivatives: Amantadine (brand name: Symmetrel) and Rimantadine (brand name: Flumadine)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two drugs to both treat and prevent influenza type A - Amantadine in 1976 and Rimantadine in 1993. In 1999, FDA approved two new antiviral medications to fight the flu: Zanamivir (Relenza), the first neuraminidase inhibitor, and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), the first of a new class of antiviral drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors. The antiviral drugs approved for influenza in the United States all are prescription drugs.

Influenza antiviral medications are drugs that suppress the ability of influenza viruses to reproduce. When used correctly, they can reduce the duration of symptoms and some complications from influenza virus infection. When used for treatment within the first 2 days of illness, all 4 antiviral medications are similarly effective in reducing by 1 or 2 days the duration of illness caused by influenza A viruses, and make you less contagious to others. Only Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are effective against influenza B viruses, though they do not cure influenza outright.

Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are preferred for treatment in part because influenza viruses are more likely to develop resistance to Amantadine and Rimantadine. The 4 influenza antiviral drugs are effective only against influenza viruses. They will not help reduce symptoms associated with the common cold.

All of the antiviral drugs are different in terms of who can take them, approved uses, approved ages, how they are given, any dosing changes based on age or medical conditions, side effects and costs.

Mechanism of Action

The surfaces of influenza viruses are dotted with neuraminidase proteins. Neuraminidase inhibitors block the enzyme's activity and prevent new virus particles from being released, thereby limiting the spread of infection. Zanamivir is inhaled through a device called a Diskhaler. This inhaler device delivers the medicine to the lungs, where the influenza virus multiplies. Oseltamivir is taken as a pill. Zanamivir and Oseltamivir help prevent influenza A and influenza B viruses from multiplying in the body by interfering with the production and release of virus from cells that line the respiratory tract. This may slow the spread of the infection within the airways and lungs.

Amantadine and Rimantadine: inhibit entry and uncoating of influenza A virus. These drugs block penetration and uncoating of the virus by preventing acidification of the endosome and thus the pH-dependent activation of the fusion activity of the virus hemagglutinin by interfering with the function of the M2 protein of Influenza A virus. Both agents are active against some influenza A virus strains (H1N1, H2N2, H3N2), but are inactive against influenza B (influenza B does not possess a M2 protein).

Medical Uses

To treat flu: Symmetrel (Amantadine), Flumadine (Rimantadine), Tamiflu (Oseltamivir), Relenza (Zanamivir).

To prevent flu: Symmetrel (Amantadine), Flumadine (Rimantadine), Tamiflu (Oseltamivir). Zanamivir is not currently approved for preventive use.

Used against influenza type A: Symmetrel (Amantadine), Flumadine (Rimantadine), Tamiflu (Oseltamivir), Relenza (Zanamivir).

Used against influenza type B: Tamiflu (Oseltamivir), Relenza (Zanamivir).

Influenza- Symptoms and Treatment

By Nilutpal Gogoi

Influenza is a common contagious disease with flu-like symptoms. Influenza is caused by a sphere or filament-shaped virus. The most problematic part of these viruses is that they keep on changing. Such mutated virus strains can adversely affect a person even though that person had immunity to another strain of the influenza virus. And the situations worsens if separate strains combine. Such a combination can be really fatal as the newly emerged virus gains in its immunity against the extant vaccines.

A person becomes rather weak during the bouts of influenza. The patient’s immune system also fails to operate naturally. As a result, influenza can turn into another life threatening ailment known as pneumonia. In fact, annually approximately 25,000 American citizens die because of influenza or pneumonia. Medical reports have shown that people above the sexagenarian age group have been fatally affected by this twin disease. The virus responsible for causing influenza has been classified into three types, viz., A, B and C. While A affects mankind and animals, B and C targets only human beings. Mentionably, the third type of influenza leads to only to mild infection.

The latest panacea for influenza known as the 2004 Influenza Vaccine fights is composed of one strain of B and two strains of A. Influenza can attack anyone at anytime. However, people are particularly susceptible to influenza during the changes of seasons. During influenza, the main affected area is the respiratory channel. When the weather turns cold from hot or vice versa, many people irrespective of colds do fall prey to influenza. The disease can easily flow from one person to another. The primary routes for its transmission are sneezing and coughing. Influenza can also spread if one uses the clothes particularly the hanky or the towel used by an influenza affected person.

Influenza is accompanied by clogged nose, headache, or at times running nose, temporary pain of joints and running body temperature. Mentionably, influenza and its symptoms disappear within three to four days whether one takes medicines or not. However, influenza can also be a silent stalker. Under such circumstances, it is always advisable to try and cure influenza naturally. If the symptoms continue for a longer period and show little signs of disappearing, do consult a doctor.

The best way to cure influenza is to go for hot foot baths, and gargle if one suffers from sore throat. Many people take a tea spoonful of raw and unadulterated mustard oil to get back the normal voice. If one experiences mild fever, one can simply take the precaution of not bathing in cold water. Keep the body and the feet warm. Using cold ointments on the back side of the body, armpits, feet and on the chest besides around the nostrils also provide relief by means of the strong evaporation of those ointments.

It has also been found that homeopathic treatment is the most ideal strategy to cure influenza. This is especially true with children. Homoeopathic medicines can also be taken by the adults. The homoeopathic treatments give the best results in cases of adults who are teetotalers. Nonetheless, these medicines are cheaper than the allopathic ones. Besides, the homoeopathic medications do have any side effects although they take some time to deliver the goods.

Bird influenza: Nowadays, influenza has taken another deadly form. It is commonly known as the avian influenza as the virus gets transmitted to human beings from birds including poultry( hen, duck, turkey). The cause of this type of influenza has medically proved to be the H5N1 virus. Intensive researches are on to find a viable vaccine for avian influenza. The H5N1 virus has been found to be affecting people mainly in Europe and Asia.

In most of such cases, avian influenza spreads from the avian species to one person. To obviate any possibility of the H5N1 virus spreading to man, one must stay from making any contact with the birds during any avian influenza epidemic.

Symptoms of bird flu in humans can be similar to those resulting from typical flu-like symptoms, like fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. Other severe symptoms are eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases, and other severe and life-threatening complications.

Nilutpal Gogoi is a writer and a freelance journalist having more than 18 years of service in several audio-visual and print media reputed organizations in North East India. He has published one popular adventure book for children and has published more than 1000 articles for various sites, as such http://www.publichealthclub.com/

Flu (Influenza) Definition & Natural Remedies

By Peter Salazar

Definition and description of Flu: Flu is referred to as Influenza in medical terminology. Flu is a highly contagious and acute respiratory tract infection that normally occurs in winter season. Generally, flu appears in form of epidemic. Though flu can affect people of all ages, children are affected more. Immuno-suppressed people, young children and people with chronic diseases experience the high severity of flu. Pneumonia (viral pneumonia or bacterial infection) is most common complication produced by flu. Other complications include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, myositis, myocarditis, Reye’s syndrome, encephalitis and pericarditis.

Causes of Flu: Flu is resulted from various strains of influenza virus. These viruses can mutate into various forms. You can get infected with flu by inhaling respiratory droplet from a person infected with flu or through indirect contact like using contaminated glass.

Signs and Symptoms of Flu: The main symptoms of flu include weakness, muscle aches, fatigue, fever, headaches and sneezing. Runny nose may be observed in some cases. Usually, symptoms of flu are mild in nature and do not lead to any serious health complications. However if you experience one of the following condition you must consult your health care provider.

If you have fever (above 102 F) for more than three days

If heavy mucus is released after coughing

If you face breathing difficulty

If you have flu like symptoms for considerably longer duration

Prevention of Flu: You may get protected from flu though immunization. There are certain vaccinations available for prevention of flu. There are certain side effects like appearance of mild flu like symptoms, inflammation at the injection site etc attached to the influenza vaccine. People with weak resistance must avoid crowded places like shopping centers, markets, theaters etc, especially during onset of flu epidemic.

Treatment of Flu: There are no specific treatments for flu. Generally medications known for their ‘anti-flu’ characteristic are prescribed. Bed rest and increase in fluid intake can help you in achieving relief from flu. Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are used for relieving muscle pains and headaches. Apart from the medications certain alternate therapies like homeopathy and herbal medicines may provide significant results. Use of natural supplements like colloidal silver, colloidal gold etc may help in prevention of flu as these colloidal are known for their property of killing bacteria, viruses and other micro organisms responsible for infections.

Peter Salazar's source for quality supplements is http://www.utopiasilver.com