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swine flu cure
This or That: Treat Swine Flu with Tamiflu, or Rely on Rest and Fluids?
Antiviral medication can zap flu germs, but not everyone who's sick needs to use it.
Follow doctor's orders, and stock up on lots of blankets and clear liquids.
"Do I need Tamiflu? Or do I just need to take this thing off my head?"
RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—As more people succumb to the H1N1 swine flu, Tamiflu, the antiviral medication used to fight the disease, is becoming a hot commodity. But should everyone who contracts the virus press his or her physician for the medication? Or should clear liquids and plenty of bed rest be the first line of defense?
This: Tamiflu
Pros: "In the vast majority of cases, Tamiflu reduces the severity of [H1N1] and shortens the duration of the disease," says Georges Benjamin, MD, executive director of the American Public Health Association. And there are cases in which the medication literally saves lives, he adds. Tamiflu can prevent serious complications and the secondary infections, like bacterial pneumonia, that can become life threatening.
Cons: It's not as available as it used to be. "There certainly has been a higher demand for Tamiflu, so you may not be able to get it in the first place that you go," he says. Also, Tamiflu isn't very effective if you don't get it within the first 48 hours of developing flu symptoms, according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Furthermore, overuse of Tamiflu and other antiviral medications can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of the virus.
That: Fluids and Rest
Pros: This prescription is cheap, and it's sufficient for most people who will get sick. "Most doctors are recommending that for most of us, taking fluids and resting will be fine," Dr. Benjamin notes. Mild over-the-counter medicine and/or natural remedies can make you more comfortable while your body fights back the virus.
Cons: Prolonging the flu for even a day can be a miserable experience if your symptoms are severe. And there's always the chance that you could develop serious complications. "There are still people who are normal and healthy, and don't appear to have any health complications, that can get very, very sick from this," Dr. Benjamin says.



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Naturally surviving the Swine Flu
I am fortifying my family naturally after reading everything I could about the vaccine. I truly feel that safe and sound food, herbals and an immune system boosting lifestyle will help families get through this season and this particular strain. My doctor wrote a book detailing all the things to know with the vaccines and all the other things everyone can do to prevent the swine flu. See Dr. Pedre's site and e book because it is imperative to have this in your natural tool kit. theultimateswineflusurvivalguide.com/ Good Health everyone!
natural anti-virals
black elderberry extract has also shown anti viral properties, and in some studies performed better than tamiflu
lots of green tea
There are many brands of green tea; What are some tasty favorites?
This or That
Many natural anti-virals are readily available now that beat the flu outright or lessen the severity and duration. Start with fresh raw garlic, crushed and consumed within one hour of crushing. Drink green tea. Others to use are lomatium, olive leaf, and St. John's wort.
These herbs are inexpensive and found at most health food stores. Of course, you can purchase garlic (if not found in your backyard garden) and green tea at a grocery store, organic is preferred.
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