[center]Everything You Need To Know About “The Swine Flu”
By Lisa Forgione, MD[/center]

The recent outbreak of swine flu is causing widespread panic and concern among many people, but by all indications, it is no worse than the seasonal flu that usually strikes every winter.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that the current strain of swine flu is caused by a new type of influenza A virus. There are four viral sub-types, one found in humans, one in birds and two in swine. The swine sub-type is causing the flu in humans in the United States. It is spread from pigs to humans and then from humans to humans.

The CDC believes that the current outbreak of swine flu (officially called the H1N1 flu) started in March 2009 in certain areas of Mexico. Mexico is currently reporting the largest number of cases at 727, with 26 deaths confirmed at this time. There is one confirmed death in the United States and 403 total cases. These cases are spread among 38 states in the continental US.

People do not normally get the swine flu. The CDC has determined that this swine sub-type is contagious and is spreading from human to human, through large airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets contain the virus and spread the illness fairly easily.

Have you been exposed to swine flu? New York, Texas, California, Delaware and Arizona are the states reporting the most number of cases. Recent travel to Mexico and contact with an infected person there are also risk factors.

Signs and Symptoms of Swine Flu
The signs and symptoms of swine flu are:

* Fever
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Runny nose
* Headache
* Muscle pains
* Occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea

In most people, the symptoms are mild and self-limited. Persons with other chronic medical conditions and the very young and very old are at risk for complications, such as severe respiratory problems and bacterial pneumonia. The incubation period is one to seven days after exposure.

If you think you may have been exposed to the swine flu and are developing any of the signs and symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately. He or she can test you easily with a nasal swab. Many hospitals have a rapid test for influenza A. Any positive result is sent to the state lab for further testing.

Conventional Treatment and Prevention
The good news is that the swine flu is easy to treat with anti-viral medications. The treatment works best when started within two days of symptom onset. The two medications that are being used to treat swine flu are Tamiflu and Relenza. Tamiflu is a pill that is taken twice per day for 5 days and Relenza is an inhaled medication.

If your doctor determines you have the swine flu and need treatment, he or she will likely give you one of these medications depending on your symptoms and the severity of your illness. Both medications are generally well tolerated and have minimal side effects. You can also use over-the-counter pain medications and cough suppressants, drink lots of fluids and rest to feel better.

As for any illness or medical issue, prevention is the best course of therapy. You can prevent the swine flu by minimizing your exposure. This includes avoiding travel to areas where the highest numbers of cases are being reported. If you need to be around someone with the swine flu or who possibly has it, wear a surgical mask and wash your hands well after your interaction with them. If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose and then wash your hands.

Alternative Treatments for the Flu
Eating an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables and plenty of high-quality protein will boost your immune system by providing the nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that fight infections such as the swine flu. Regular aerobic exercise increases the number of circulating white blood cells in your system which will help stop any developing infections.

Many people prefer to use herbal remedies when treating viral infections. There are several therapies that are specific to treating viruses. Here are just a few:

Lomatium. Native Americans use this anti-viral herb to treat upper respiratory infections. It also appeared to help them combat the 1917 Spanish Flu outbreak. Lomatium is available in capsule or liquid form.

Reishi Mushrooms. These medicinal mushrooms are used in Chinese medicine to fight all types of viral and bacterial infections. They are high in antioxidants and soothe the respiratory tract. Reishi mushrooms are available raw or as a supplement or tea.

Garlic. Garlic stimulates the immune system and helps stop the spread of viruses, bacteria and fungi in the body. It works best when crushed and eaten raw. For individuals that cannot tolerate raw garlic, an odorless aged garlic extract (Kyolic garlic) is also effective.

Pau d’Arco. This herb grows in the Brazilian rainforest and has been shown to kill both viruses and bacteria. It is also an effective expectorant. Pau d’arco is available in capsules, tea or tincture.

Beta glucan. This cultured extract derived from yeast and mushrooms is a powerful immune-stimulant. Hundreds of studies have shown that it stimulates the production and activity of immune cells. Beta glucan is available as a nutritional supplement.

Colloidal Silver. This liquid solution of microscopic silver particles has been shown to kill all types of viruses without any resistant strains. Colloidal silver is very strong and should not be used every day. You can use it occasionally when you feel you may be developing a viral infection. It is available as both a nasal spray and oral supplement.

Finally…
As a physician, I feel there is no need for public alarm or fear about the swine flu. I consider it to be a late seasonal outbreak of influenza A. I actually did not see many cases of influenza A or B this winter in the Emergency Room, so perhaps “flu season” was just delayed this year compared to previous years.

The best news is that swine flu is self-limited, easily treated and can be prevented with simple precautions, a healthy diet, regular exercise and a variety of natural therapies.

[Ed. Note: Lisa Forgione, MD, is an Emergency Medicine Physician practicing in Wadesboro, North Carolina. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Forgione participated in the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and has received several Physicians Recognition Awards for teaching from the AMA and AAFP.]