VIRAL MARKERS

                 Homeopathy is effective for most of the viral diseases. As a homeopath it is important to know about viral markers in detail. Let us discuss about some of the viral markers and it is application in clinical practice. 

1.     Chicken pox

Chickenpox is usually diagnosed based upon a person's signs and symptoms. But testing for Varicella Zoster Virus or for the antibodies produced in response to infection may be performed in certain cases like in pregnant women, in newborns, in people prior to organ transplantation, and in those with HIV/AIDS. When someone is exposed to VZV, their immune system responds by producing antibodies to the virus. Two classes of VZV antibodies may be found in the blood: IgM (which is present in infected individual within weeks after initial exposure) and IgG (produced by the body several weeks after the initial VZV infection and provide long-term protection).

2.     Chikungunya

Specific viral marker for chikungunya is Chick IgM. Clinical manifestation of chikungunya is difficult to differentiate with dengue hemorrhagic fever, thus need to do the specific IgM. Rapid assay shouldn’t be used before first week of infection as it is less sensitive in that period.

3.     Dengue fever

Tests for dengue virus-specific antibodies, types IgG and IgM, are useful in confirming infection in later stages. Both IgG and IgM are produced after 5–7 days. It is easily detectable in early stages by Dengue NS1 antigen test.

4.     Hepatitis B

Serological testing involves measurement of several hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific c antigens and antibodies. Different serologic “markers” or combinations are used to identify different phases of HBV infection and to determine whether a patient has acute or chronic HBV infection

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg):

A protein on the surface of hepatitis B virus; it can be detected in high levels in serum during acute or chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The presence of HBsAg indicates that the person is infectious. The body normally produces antibodies to HBsAg as part of the normal immune response to infection.

Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs):

The presence of anti-HBs is generally interpreted as indicating recovery and immunity from hepatitis B virus infection. Anti-HBs also develops in a person who has been successfully vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc):

This appears at the onset of symptoms in acute hepatitis B and persists for life. The presence of anti-HBc indicates previous or ongoing infection with hepatitis B virus.

IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc)

Positivity indicates recent infection with hepatitis B virus (<6 mos). Its presence indicates acute infection.

5.     Hepatitis C

Due to the fact that acute HCV infection is usually asymptomatic, early diagnosis of the HCV infection is rare. Usually the infection may remain undiagnosed, often until serious liver damage has developed. HCV infection is diagnosed by doing Screening for anti-HCV antibodies with a serological test.

6.     Hepatitis A

Although fecal detection is possible in early stages, specific diagnosis is made by Hepatitis A specific IgM antibodies in blood. It is detectable in during acute infection and persists for 14 weeks.

7.     Hand Mouth Foot Disease (HMFD):-

In certain case stool or throat swab is taken for culture.

8.     Herpes zoster-

Similar to chickenpox herpes zoaster is diagnosed by VZV specific IgM antibody in blood

9.      Japanese Encephalitis

It is diagnosed by detection of IgM antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.

10.                         Rubella

Rubella virus specific IgM antibodies along with characteristic rash confirms the diagnosis.

11.                         HIV

Diagnosis is done by detection of HIV antibodies by ELISA method.  CD4 lymphocyte count is used for the prognosis of treatment.

12.                         Poliomyelitis

Antibodies to polio virus detected in blood during early course of infection. 

Homoeopathic Treatment Protocol for Fever By Dr Biju G Nair

Homoeopathic  Treatment Protocol for Fever

By 

Dr Biju G Nair

Fever

Fever makes patients scared because health media propagated that fever can kill a person. Homoeopaths know that fever is a good sign and it is psoric. No fever can kill a patient. The reason for fever can even kill your patient. In bacterial and viral infections fever is really a grace for patients. When temperature rises germs will die. Even in non-infective fevers rise of temperature has its psoric role to save patients. When a high rise of temperature damages the thermal power plant of the body, the hypothalamus then it should control with drugs. Febrile seizures are the most misinterpreted and mismanaged clinical condition. Seizure is the mechanism of body to get rid of excessive heat. Seizures even for 15 minutes don’t cause any damage to brain cells and it doesn’t cause epilepsy in future. All these facts are just facts only. Parents get scared by seeing seizures and their anxiety rises along with the mercury column of thermometer. Fever is a thing to be managed at once is the ground reality because people are afraid of it. At the rise of a body temperature a physician is unable to narrate the facts and figures regarding fever and seizures. So let us see how homoeopathic drugs shall select to reduce temperature.

SWINE FLU by Dr Sreechithra

“Swine flu”- this disease have managed to grab some major headlines through out the world since a couple of months.” flu” the term which we initially used to describe as one of the mildest form of disease, have stirred a panic wave through out the world since the outbreak of swine flu. It has now become the hottest topic in every channels and newspaper worldwide ever since the terrorist attack of world trade center in US. This flu is not only creating a grave threat to the healthcare but also to the world’s economy.

Homoeopathic Management of Hepatitis – B by Dr.S.G.BIJU

Homoeopathic Management of Hepatitis – B

       

Dr.S.G.BIJU

        Every disease condition is a unique phenomenon having specific individual peculiarities in spite of a few common superficial features that may categorize the disease and there by diseases individuals too. But categorization, according to Homoeopathy, is often the result of misconception and is likely to influence even Homoeopathic doctors to be prejudiced about disease. Homoeopathy believes that no virus or bacteria can produce a disease condition unless there is a tendency to develop such a disease in the affected individual. The same is true of Hepatitis also.

                Many people are regularly exposed to viruses that can produce hepatitis, yet it is interesting to note that all of them are not coming down with Hepatitis. It would be reasonable to wonder why most of the exposed individuals escape an attack of the hepatitis viruses. We simply say that it is because of their level of health, which does not allow any virus to play a harmful role in their body. The dominant school of medicine calls this phenomenon ‘immunity’ whereas in Homoeopathy we call it ‘the healthy vital force’. It is the task of vital force to protect the body from external noxious influences produce signs and symptoms, the language of which, though still primitive, is being read and help afforded to the body by the suffering individuals or their near and dear ones since the history of disease is known.

                        We homoeopaths believe in individualization. A hundred people suffering from Hepatitis will show strictly a hundred types or patterns of symptoms. Though there may be some common symptoms like yellow discoloration of sclera, bile salt in urine etc. the reaction or the attitude of mind and response to disease to disease will vary from individual to individual. This principle is applicable in all disease whether it is viral hepatitis, auto immune disease, renal failure, cardiac failure, connective tissue disorders and so on. The normal course of disease may appear same in one and all but the individual attitude towards the disease and the prominence and sequelae of the disease will be different. One of my patients who was stamped a ‘HBsAg Carrier’ told me with great joy, “Doctor, Hepatitis B is a blessing”! He was the only member in his family living off the earnings of his brothers and sisters all of whom were working in gulf countries. This man who was basically lazy would not agree with his parents to go abroad and earn for himself and that was why hepatitis-B was blessing to him. On the other hand there was another case of a pregnant lady who attempted suicide when she knew that she was suffering from hepatitis-B and that she was liable to transfer the same to her offspring. Both were HBs Ag positive, one considered it a blessing in disguise whereas the other viewed it as a curse. The former is now working in one of the gulf countries having been cured of not only his Hepatitis B but also his laziness. The latter is living haply with her child, having regained her confidence in life.

                         When Hahnemann first conceived and propounded the idea of disease states; he stressed the importance of certain ‘conditions’ pertaining to it’s occurrence. He named it ‘MIASMS’ i.e the creative energy transmitted in a negative direction when compared to the vital force. Miasms has the same potent dynamism as the vital force. No organism in this universe is outside this state of energy. Normally an individual is in an equilibrium state having the influence of both the disease force and vital force. Cure in its ideal sense could only be achieved by proper understanding of the underlying disease state of an individual.

Dr.Samuel Hahnemann broadly classified the entire ‘disease states’ of a human being in to 3.

1.   Functional Disorders (Deficiency) – PSORA

2.   Proliferation (Overgrowth) – SYCOSIS

3.   Structural Disorders (Degeneration) – SYPHILIS

In psoric patients Viral hepatitis B (or any other variety i.e A C, D or E) will only show some functional symptoms – sleeplessness, lack of appetite, constipation etc. will be there. Such patients will never move on to HCC (Hepato cellular Carcinoma) or Cirrhosis of liver. Most of the active hepatitis B cases show the domination of this Miasm. There is a latent period of psora. It can be considered as the incubation period of Hepatitis viruses (A,B,C or D). Most of HBV carrier states come under the latent phase of psora/Sycosis. Dr.Hahnemann vividly stated the treatment of latent psora/Sycosis.

            5% of HBV carriers are prone to develop HCC. Hepato Cellular Carcinoma is a proliferation disease developing inside the liver. Those people coming under the sycotic miasm are prone to develop overgrowth or proliferating tumors any where in the liver substance, which in turn may worsen in to malignancy. Hepatomegaly and indurations of liver may develop in such patients. Some patients develops no symptom at all. They too comes under Sycosis. Because of the existence of sycosis patient is restricted even from producing a symptom/cry of vital force. In  “Consensus 2002”, one day seminar organized by Dept. of Medical Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi  University, KERALA, S.INDIA on 25^th July 2002 , Dr.Mathew Kurian MD DM, a famous Gastroenterologist from south India mentioned an epidemic of hepatitis B in southern district of Kerala, S.INDIA where most of the affected people contracted HBV infection from a sex worker in that area. And he revealed the fact that HBV is not transmitted among spouses who follow natural sex. Here comes the next Miasm, Syphilis. The set of above people comes under this Miasm. They will engage in activities that make them prone to develop hepatitis – B and other viral infections because their vital force is polluted by Syphilitic Miasm.

                            All the aforesaid conditions are inherited and they are modified by acquired Miasm later. In Homoeopathy we prescribe remedies that can produce similar signs and symptoms in the healthy human being. So when the ‘medicinal force’ is greater than the disease force, the existing disease force is bound to be expelled. Diseases are dynamic in origin so the medicines employed should also posses the same dynamic property.

Remedies vary from individual to individual. A remedy found to be effective in one person may not be able to cure the same disease in another person. To get the most similar medicine possible, we have to discover the fundamental cause of chronic disease, which is generally due to chronic miasm.

Homoeopathic treatment for Active hepatitis – B

  It is relatively easy for a Homoeopath to treat and cure active hepatitis cases because there are lots of symptoms. According to symptom similarity we can select a remedy from 3000 and odd drugs. While considering the symptom similarity we should give more importance to the individual characteristic symptoms, which differentiates one patient from the other. All active cases of Hepatitis – B,C and other verities are 100% curable under Homoeopathic treatment. Patients should start treatment before the breakage of blood brain barrier. If cerebral jaundice develops we are not able to offer a cure with out complications and sequelae. But even in such cases CHELIDONIUM in high potencies i.e above 10M is found effective, which can save the patient even from coma. Remedies from vegetable kingdom  in their dynamic form have been found most effective for active hepatitis cases as the symptoms and problems are related to a matter of sensitivity. The period required for recovery varies from 7 days to 28 days.

Chronic Active Hepatitis

            This variety is also vulnerable to homoeopathic treatment. If due to any type or subtype of viral infection the hepatitis persists, a well selected Homoeopathic medicine can cure the condition totally and serological markers will disappear along with the disease. Duration of treatment varies from 45 to 70 days. No specific remedies for jaundice found effective in CAH and in most cases treated by remedies having symptom similarity of jaundice were found end in Carrier Stage. As CAH causes structural changes and degenerations, a remedy from Mineral Kingdom which is of an antisyphilitic nature will be more effective to establish cure.

Carrier Stage

            This is a major challenge to all the branches of medicine. Here also Homoeopathy has a lot to offer. In case of a lack of symptoms, Homoeopathic Medicines are selected according to the law of individualization. The features that individualize a patient are innumerable. His hereditary, mental, physical, social, cultural, environmental, professional, habitual, sexual, emotional and spiritual peculiarities are considered for the prescription. Family history has a major role to play in Homoeopathic prescription. Miasm from which all disease originates is to be considered for achieving ideal cure. If you are not a master in Miasms select a remedy according to Mental Symptoms only. An antisycotic Mineral Remedy may be more effective in carrier cases. 

            While the dominant school of medicine declares that hepatitis B incurable, Homoeopathy has got hundreds of case records to show that chronic and acute cases of viral hepatitis can be treated and cured over a period of time. The claims of Homoeopathy about its ability to control all viral infections are once again being reinforced by the hundreds of hepatitis B cases which have been treated and cured. This only goes to prove the ability of Homoeopathy or rather its superiority.

(Dr.S.G.BIJU BHMS, MD (Hom) The Homoeopathic Multi Speciality Hospital, Changanacherry – 1, KERALA, S.INDIA  Ph 0481 – 2412233 (O), 2428799 ®, 94471 28799 (Mob),

E Mail: drbijugnair@gmail.com. Web Site: www.drbijuonline.com

HOMOEOPATHY CAN CURE HEPATIS–B, An Evidence Based TREATMENT PROTOCOL of HEPATITIS-B by Dr.S.G.BIJU BHMS, MD (Hom)

HOMOEOPATHY CAN CURE HEPATIS – B

An Evidence Based TREATMENT PROTOCOL of HEPATITIS–B

Dr.S.G.BIJU BHMS, MD (Hom)

Target Groups - Acute Hepatitis – B - Chronic Active Hepatitis-B
HBV Chronic Carriers
Management Protocol for Acute Hepatitis
1. Pathological Prescription
2. Drugs
3. Medicines
4. Plants
• 1. Drugs - ACETIC ACID – Sleeplessness during hepatitis. (Dol.)Diarrhoea during jaundice – LYCOPUS VERG
• TARAXACUM – Weakness during jaundice (PIC AC,FERR PICRICUM)
• Head ache with jaundice – SEPItching during jaundice – HEP
• White coating of tongue with jaundice MERC
• Stupor and Unconsciousness during Jaundice – CHEL
• CORNUS CIRCINATA – Eruptions with jaundice. Aphthae
•
2. Medicines - CHELIDONIUMChelidonium is not a remedy for chronic hepatitis. ! CARDUUS MARIANUS Predominantly a remedy for diseases affecting the portal systems. Pain in left lobe. Not indicated in HBV Active cases but effective in cases with ascitis and Hepato cellular Carcinoma (where AFP is markedly elevated)
LEPTANDRA Jaundice with black stools or white (clay colored) stools. Doubtful about recovery is an additional indication for leptandra. When frequently questioned about recovery
Kalmegh (“Keezhanelli”)Low potencies – A traditional Indian remedy. It’s potencies can be used as an anti dote in patients who are coming after Ayurvedic Treatment.
LAUROCERASUS– Extreme weakness. When well selected remedies fails (lack of reaction).
PODOPHYLLUM (Symptomatic relief only) – Pt. Holds the liver region
DOLICHOS Carrier gets aggravated during pregnancy, presented as itching. White stools.

Most Effective Medicine
Chelidonium
Kalmegh
Myrica
Cardus Mur
Ceanothus
Nux Vom
Lyc
Bryonia
Digitalis
Podophyllum

HIV and Homeopathy

A JOURNAL ON SWINE INFLUENZA

What is swine fLU

Swine flu (swine influenza) is a respiratory disease caused by viruses (influenza viruses) that infect the respiratory tract of pigs and result in nasal secretions, a barking-like cough, decreased appetite, and listless behavior. Swine flu produces most of the same symptoms in pigs as human flu produces in people. Swine flu can last about one to two weeks in pigs that survive. Swine influenza virus was first isolated from pigs in 1930 in the U.S. and has been recognized by pork producers and veterinarians to cause infections in pigs worldwide. In a number of instances, people have developed the swine flu infection when they are closely associated with pigs (for example, farmers, pork processors), and likewise, pig populations have occasionally been infected with the human flu infection. In most instances, the cross-species infections (swine virus to man; human flu virus to pigs) have remained in local areas and have not caused national or worldwide infections in either pigs or humans. Unfortunately, this cross-species situation with influenza viruses has had the potential to change. Investigators think the 2009 swine flu stnirmalrain, first seen in Mexico, should be termed H1N1 flu since it is mainly found infecting people and exhibits two main surface antigens, H1 (hemagglutinin type 1) and N1 (neuraminidase type1). 

DOWNLOAD JOURNAL HERE
or
HERE

A CASE OF HEPATITIS B byDR. BIJU G NAIR

A CASE OF HEPATITIS B

By

DR. BIJU G NAIR

drbijugnair@gmail.com

Mr. RK a 38 years old man consulted me on 1 – 5 – 1999. He was working at Coimbatore. The company in which he was worked transferred him to it's branch at USA with a promotion. But when he appeared for emigration clearance, he was declared unfit due to an HBsAg +ve blood result. His promotion was withheld and transfer cancelled due to Hepatitis – B.

He heard about the effectiveness of Homoeopathic treatment in Hepatitis – B through a medical magazine and he requested his doctor (An allopathic doctor) for discontinuing the treatment and try Homoeopathy. His doctor agreed and thus he came to me for treatment. He showed the blood results that he got from the laboratory at Coimbatore. The unfit report of the emigration people was being kept in his office.

When he entered the consulting room he had kicked at the weighing balance placed near the door. He expressed sorry and his wife laughed at him. (MIND - AWKWARD - strikes against things?) He told me that he had tried a lot of allopathic medicines and a number of 'panaceas' for curing Hepatitis – B, but they were ineffective to cure this disease. Finally he settled under the impression that it was an incurable disease. He said: " Doctor I am fed up with all the medicines, and I had tried except Homoeopathy". (MIND - DESPAIR - recovery, of). He told me that he had heard about me as a 'specialist' (?!) in treating Hepatitis - B cases and if I was able to cure him, he will bring a good number of patients to me. There are many patients suffering from Hepatitis – B and other incurable disease at Coimbatore. But I have to cure him then only he will refer such patients to me. (MIND – BARGAINING).

I interfered with his speech mid-way and asked him

" What are your complaints now?".

" No complaints except that my physical built up beginning to lose its tone now a days. I am losing weight and my face become shrunken and muscles are reducing in its bulk."

His wife interfered, and then told.

"No he is not losing weight; He was 68 Kgs earlier and keeping the same still. It is only a false belief that he is reducing in weight and losing the bulk of muscle etc."

He responded immediately


"Though the weight is steady, still I am losing flesh and my muscles are shrunken".

She told that he was the same for the past 10 years.

(MIND - DELUSIONS - emaciation, of)

He said that it was unbearable for him to frequently hear from his acquaints "what happened to you; you looks too lean and weak". And the most unbearable thing was to hear the words of people who knew that he was suffering from Hepatitis – B. They may say, "it is a pity to see your misfortune" etc.

"I don't like such words", he said. (MIND - SYMPATHY from others - aversion to).

Whenever some body showered sympathy over him he became angry and then he will not talk to any body for some time. His wife said that he would not express his anger to any body but keep mum for long. If he was keeping mum, it was a sign of his anger. (MIND - ANGER - taciturnity; with).

He said,

"Ofcourse I kept mum when I become angry but this is not the only occasion I kept mum, I frequently thought about my misfortune, about the missed promotion and about the incurable disease I am put in". (MIND - DWELLS - disappointments, on).

His wife said further:

"Another thing make him angry is----" She paused and asked her husband "may I tell it?". 
"Oh yes", he said.

She continued,

"Spending money for domestic affairs is unbearable for him".

He retorted

"No, I am spending money than anything for celebrations travels and all". 
To this she replayed,

"Yes it is correct, he is extravagant enough for his friends, that is why I said that he get angry when I spend money for household affairs".

He laughed and nodded agreeing to what his wife said. (MIND - AVARICE - generosity towards strangers, avarice as regards his family).

While tracing the source of infection he told me that there was a dental surgery for him some 4 months back. Causally I asked him whether there any hospitalization, Injections, Accidents, Falls, Etc; His wife said that minor accidents and falls is a regular occurrence in his life.

She asked

"Doctor did you observe that he strikes to some thing when he entered this room?"

He always strikes against dinning table and chairs in house. Sometimes it become major injuries and 2 times fractures had occurred to his toes, but he never go for injections and surgery." (MIND - AWKWARD - strikes against things – Confirmed the rubric).

No other striking Physical generals were observed except a desire for spices and eggs that also was told after asking leading questions. So we avoided those physical generals for repertorisation.

But he told that his bowel was moving only once in 3 days. (RECTUM - INACTIVITY of).

Apart from the above observations and their corresponding rubrics we took one more rubric for the chronic carrier stage of Hepatitis – B, GENERALS – CHRONICITY.

MIND - AWKWARD - strikes against things

MIND - DESPAIR - recovery, of

MIND - BARGAINING

MIND - DELUSIONS - emaciation, of

MIND - SYMPATHY from others - aversion to

MIND - ANGER - taciturnity; with

MIND - DWELLS - disappointments, on

MIND - AVARICE - generosity towards strangers, avarice as regards his family

RECTUM - INACTIVITY of

GENERALS – CHRONICITY

The emerged remedy in Repertorisation was NAT MUR in VES (Vithulkas Expert System ) of RADAR and SULPHUR in combined analysis, NAT MUR was prescribe with confidence rating 125 points.

So, on 1/5/1999 I gave NAT MUR 10 M 1 dose, SL and BT for 15 days.

16/5/1999 – He reported with several complaints: feeling of uneasiness, headache after night watching, slight abdominal discomfort, constipation intensified, stools only once in 4 days, scanty stool & vague feeling of ill health. He had to go to Coimbatore for re-joining his job. So he wanted medicine for 40 days

SL 1XBD & BT 5 grain 1XBD was prescribed for 40 days

Later he contacted me over telephone and complained that he was suffering from intense constipation; body pain and severe head ache after every episode of irregular diet, after every exposure of the sun etc. He was asked to continue the medicine.

26/6/2001 – Reported: He was totally disappointed with the treatment. He had made a blood examination at Coimbature. Blood showed HBsAg +ve.. Total symptamatology remain worsened. He told me "if things are going like this I have to discontinue your treatment, I will leave you and take treatment from any other system of Medicine. So if it is curable in Homoeopathy, please give me that remedy, Other wise I will tell others that I am HBsAg +ve even after your treatment".

So, I took one more rubric - MIND - COMPLAINING - threatening, and

I told him,

"OK, you may try other systems of medicine, we can stop the treatment". 
He confessed immediately.

"Sorry Doctor, because of my dejection and anger I told those words. I know there is no treatment in any other system of medicine except Homoeopathy, I want to continue your treatment".

I took one more rubric, MIND - ANGER - alternating with - repentance; quick

Addition of the above rubrics did not change VES selection.

On 26/6/2001 I prescribed another single dose of NAT MUR 10 M because of aggravation of complaints and feeling of ill health.

SL & BT were also prescribed for 10 more days.
He reported on 6^th July with general feeling of well-being; and amelioration for headache, his bowels were moving daily. He appeared very cheerful with full of confidence in his face regarding the cure of his disease.

He asked me

"Doctor can I go for another blood examination?".

Because of the previous experience of positive blood result and his negative attitude towards me when he got the previous +ve result, I told him

" No you may go for a blood investigation in the next time ie. after one month".

"OK", He agreed.

SL & BT were prescribed for another month.

He contacted me over telephone on 21st July and told, "Doctor, I am HBsAg – ve now I will come to you tomorrow"

22^nd July was a Sunday.

On 23^rd July he reached my clinic & said

"Doctor, I went for a blood investigation because I got another chance for promotion and USA trip".

He showed me the result and said

"Doctor I am grateful to your valuable help, now I become HBsAg negative and I am selected for the promotion and transfer to USA. I am ready to continue the medicine for any time under your advice.".

I told him.

"Ok you may discontinue the medicine, there is no need of continue the medicine for months".

He was regularly contacting me at least once in a month up to 2001 January. He sent me a greeting card in January 2001. The words in the greeting card was as follows -

"Though you are staying miles ago, you are always residing in my heart, in my mind & in my soul".


 

Dr.S.G.BIJU G NAIR

drbijugnair@gmail.com

SWINE FLU by Dr. Sreechithra H

SWINE FLU

Dr.sreechithra.H

dr.sreechithra.h@gmail.com

                    “Swine flu”- this disease have managed to grab some major headlines through out the world since a couple of months.” flu” the term which we initially used to describe as one of the mildest form of disease, have stirred a panic wave through out the world since the outbreak of swine flu. It has now become the hottest topic in every channels and newspaper worldwide ever since the terrorist attack of world trade center in US. This flu is not only creating a grave threat to the healthcare but also to the world’s economy. India one of the worse hitten country has literlry become a stand still; many theaters ,malls, office has closed down, flights has been cancelled, many schools has declared leave, and the attendance at many office and school are alarmingly  low, posing a sever threat to our economy. even though all the health organization and the government all over the world is in to this problem, sorting a way to stop this epidemic, this epidemic have already paved its way forward into the peoples mind and population adding new victims to its record.

                             The 2009 flu pandemic is a global outbreak of a new strain of influenza virus officially named the “new H1N1”. 1st identified in April 2009, and commonly called as “swine flu”. It is thought to be a mutation strain of influenza A virus, subtype H1N1. Expert assumes this virus is most likely emerged from pigs in Asia, and was carried to North America by infected persons. Transmission of new strain is human to human

                      

INITIAL OUTBREAKS

                     

                Analysis has suggested that the H1N1 strain responsible for the current outbreak, 1st evolved around sep2008 and circulated in human population for several months before the 1st case were identified as being due to new strain.

                 The virus was first reported in two US children in March, but health officials have said that it apparently infected people as early as last Jan in Mexico. The first was detected in Mexico City on March 18.2009. Within days of the outbreak the city was officially closed down, but by then the virus has flown its way throughout the world

PAST HISTROY OF OUTBREAK

                 

• Early in 1918 flu pandemic was reported, killing almost 50-100 million people world wide.
• In 1976, in US there was reported an outbreak in US killing 3 people, and the virus strain showed a close resemblance to the 1918 flu strain. The alarmed public health officials fearing another major pandemic, urged the then US president Gerald Ford that every person in the US be vaccinated for the disease. But there was a serious setback to the programme as the three citizen died immediately after receiving the flu vaccination. moreover there was about 500 cases of Guillion barre syndrome, and also resulting death from severe pulmonary complication for about 25 people ,which according to dr.p.Haber , were caused by the immunopathological reaction. As observed by a participant in the immunization programme, the vaccine has killed more humans than the disease did.
• In 1998 swine flu was detected among four US states
• In 2007 there is a recorded evidence of swine flu in Philippine.

WHO UPDATES ABOUT THE DISEASE

 

             In the last WHO update, issued on July 6, showed 94.512 confirmed cases in 122 countries with 429 deaths, and although unofficial report showed about 2 million people has so far been infected with the disease. In India alone there has been more than 30 deaths so far, from which the majority is from pune. On June 11 2009 WHO declared this outbreak has become a pandemic. The WHO declared a pandemic alert of 6, out of a maximum 6.

SWINE FLU VIRUS

          Swine influenza virus (siv) is a strain of influenza family virus that causes epidemic in pigs. As of 2009, the known siv strain includes Influenza c, and the subtype of Influenza A, known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3. 

               Siv is common among the pigs worldwide, and it is not usually transmitted to humans. But by causing a mutation in these strains, it is possible to carry out the infection from pigs to humans making it a zoonotic swine flu,.

TRANSMISSION

 

IN PIGS

    Influenza is common quit common in pigs, it is estimated that about half the population of pigs world wide have been exposed to this virus.

• Main route of transmissition is by direct contact between infected  and uninfected animals, during animal transport and during intensive farming
• Direct transfer of virus is probably caused by touching nose or through direct mucous membranes
• Airborne transmission occur through the aerosol produced by pigs during coughing or sneezing
• Also transmitted through wild animals, it is the mode of transmission between farms

IN HUMANS

• People who work in poultry and pig farms are at high risk of zoootic infection
• Professionals like vetenarians and meat processing workers who handle animals are also at the high risk of getting the infection

HUMAN TO HUMAN TRANSMITION

• As this virus is air born, transmission occur between humans by coughing and sneezing
• Touching something that has virus in it and then touching their own nose and mouth
• It is not transmitted through food as the virus cannot withstand heating
• Humans are contagious during the 1st 5 days of infection, children’s may remain contagious up to 10 days of infection

SYMPTOMS

IN PIGS

           

      In pigs the Influenza produces fever, leathery, cough, sneezing and decreased appetite.  Although the mortality rate is very low(1-4%)the virus can produce weight loss and poor growth causing economic loss to farmers.

IN HUMANS

    According to the center for disease control and prevention (CDC), in humans the symptoms of the 2009 “swine flu” are similar to those of Influenza like illness. Symptoms include

• High fever, but unlike seasonal flu, is usually absent and often accompanied with symptoms like
• Cough, sore throat
• Running nose and sneezing
• Body aches
• Head ache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Myalgia
• Dyspneoa
• Conjunctivitis
• Diarrhea, vomiting

ALAMING SYMPTOMS

• s\s of very serious infection include pneumonia and respiratory failure
• breathing Patten becoming rapid
• tachycardia, heart beat more than 100
• bluish or gray colored skin
• dehydration causing low blood pressure
• persistent vomiting
• not waking or not interacting( decreased alertness)
• increased body temperature

CAUSE OF DEATH

• the most common cause of death is reparatory failure
• pneumonia leading to sepsis
• increased fever leading to neurological complication
• dehydration from excessive vomiting and diarrhea
• electrolyte imbalance
• fatality is more likely in young children’s and elderly, and those having some underlying disease like D.M

DIFFERTIAL DIAGNOSIS

It has to be differentiated from all a/c febrile respiratory illness

DIAGNOSIS

   Diagnosis is usually done both by considering the sins and symptoms and also from various diagnostic procedures. Diagnosis is usually done by blood examination done within 5 days of infection; a throat swab examination is also done for confirming the case in hand. An immunological assay can also be done for this purpose.

PREVENTION

• covering your mouth and nose with tissue while you cough and sneeze
• washing your hands often with soap and water
• trying to avoid close contact with the sick person
• staying home from work or school if you are sick
• avoid going to closed and crowded places
• wearing a air tight mask

ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF TREATMENT

   Alternative methods will help you to improve and strengthen your immune system, so that it will act as a preventive and also will aid a speedy recovery from the disease.

• Neem has proven to be very efficient  against virus, bacteria, and parasires,taking  10 fresh neem leaves twice daily will act as a preventive
• Immune system can be made stronger by taking Guduchi powder twice daily
• Avoid taking cold foods, stale foods, sweets and curds
• Drinking warm water after adding a pinch of dry ginger powder
• Drink milk with one spoon of turmeric powder , it is the best preventive method while traveling
• Juice of 10 basil leaves added with 10 leaves of mint once in a day will act both as a preventive and will aid cure
• Neem, basil, and turmeric has proven for their property to prevent secondary complication
• Additional alertness on your part could keep you stay protected

VACCINATION

       Vaccination is available for different kinds of swine flu, although the current trivalent influenza vaccination is unlikely to provide any protection against the new 2009 H1N1 strain

HOMEOEPATHIC TREATMENT

   Homeopathic treatment is always based on symptom totality rather than the name of the disease, and medicine is selected from among the vast variety of homeopathic flu medicine . The medicine due to its dynamic property as well as due to the similarity of the diseased state of the person, it will act on the body dynamically, there by correcting the disease state. The medicine will correct the impaired vitality and strengthen the immune system, and there by will help in expelling the disease agent from our body. Here by we can avoid having secondary complication and side effects due to medicines.  The common medicine given in swine flu include ars alb, bryonia, rust tox, gels, petroleum, innfluenzium etc

      Also by analyzing the symptom picture of a vast area we can arrive at a symptom totality, of which the corresponding homeopathic medicine will act as preventive by strengthening our immune system and vitality

COMPLICATION OF ALLOPATHIC MEDICATION

    

      According to a research published this weak in a leading medical journal , the study conducted by dr. Mathew Thompson, senior clinical scientist at the university of Oxford,U.K, observed that the antiviral widely used against the current swine flu epidemic, Oseltamivir(Tamilflu) and Zanamivir(Relenza) are unlike to prevent complication especially in children’s, infected with swine flu. The medicine as observed has little effect on asthma flare ups, increased ear infection etc. Tamilflu also carries an increased risk of vomiting. The effect of these drugs on the incidence of serious complication and the current A/H1N1 swine flu remain undermined, they wrote

    

                             Swine flu is definitely a disease that has to be guarded against, considering the heights of its spread, and the number of victims. As we can observe it is definilty a very contagious disease, but not a fatal disease unlike other diseases like tuberculosis or meningitis. The first thing that we have to is prevent its spread. It can easily done by stop panicking, and also by proper knowledge, guidance and alertness in your part. By this way one can stay healthy, keep your surroundings healthy and help our country and in turn our world a better and healthy place to live in

Dr.sreechithra.H

dr.sreechithra.h@gmail.com