SEASONAL FLU/ INFLUENZA/ ALLERGIC FLU/ COLD/ FLU

WHAT IS FLU (INFLUENZA)?

Influenza, commonly called “The Flu“, is an Infectious Disease caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms range from mild to severe and often include fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, coughing, and fatigue. These symptoms typically begin 1–4 days after exposure to the virus and last for about 2–8 days. Diarrhoea and vomiting can occur, particularly in children.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT FOR FLU (INFLUENZA)

According to Ayurveda, Influenza results from an imbalance of the Kapha and Vata Doshas (Ayurvedic humours representing Water and Air respectively). Cold develops in the body when there’s an excess of Kapha’s cool, moist characteristics, causing a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. And, excess Vata reduces the body’s digestive fire, so you get the chills.

The Ayurvedic treatment of Influenza consists of pacifying the aggravated body energies, expelling excess mucus, restoring peripheral circulation, strengthening digestion and boosting immunity.

CAUSES OF FLU (INFLUENZA)

Influenza is contagious, which means it can be spread easily from person to person. Viruses that cause influenza spread from person to person mainly by droplets of respiratory fluids sent through the air when someone infected with the virus coughs or sneezes. Other people inhale the airborne virus and can become infected.

Flu virus can live on some surfaces for up to 24 hours. This means that, in some cases, the flu can be spread when someone touches a surface (e.g., doorknobs, countertops, telephones) that has the virus on it and then touches their nose, mouth, or eyes. The flu is most easily spread in crowded places such as schools and offices.

There are three families of influenza virus: A, B, and C. 

Type A influenza poses the most serious problems for humans and causes 95% of cases.

Strains of this type have also been found in birds, horses, pigs, seals, whales, and ferrets. Viruses that affect two different species sometimes combine and mix-and-match genetic information to create a new strain that nobody is immune to and for which no vaccine has been prepared.

SYMPTOMS OF FLU (INFLUENZA)

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever
• Aching muscles
• Chills and sweats
• Headache
• Dry, persistent
• cough
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness and weakness
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Eye pain
• Vomiting and Diarrhoea, but this is more common in children than adults.

MANAGEMENT OF FLU (INFLUENZA) DIET

Chicken soup

• Chicken soup may reduce inflammatory responses in the body.
• A study from 2000 suggests that common ingredients in chicken soup may collectively combat Inflammation, reducing inflammatory responses in the body.
• As a result, chicken soup may help clear congestion in the nose and airways and soothe other symptoms in the upper respiratory tract.
• Other soups, including vegetarian or vegan options, may have similar effects.
• Soups can be nutritious, easy to digest, soothing, and easy to prepare, even during illnesses. Also, because they contain water, soups can promote hydration.
• Garlic
• Garlic may have antiviral and antimicrobial properties. These can help support the immune system as it combats infection, including a cold or the flu.
• Authors of a 2014 review Trusted Source have looked at the effects of garlic on the common cold.
• They refer to a 146-participant study in which participants who took a garlic supplement every day for 3 months had fewer colds than those who took a placebo. The authors note that confirming the effects will require further research, however.
• Eating meals with plenty of garlic may help the body fight off infection.

Foods High in Vitamin C

Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C help support the immune system Trusted Source. Those with the highest levels of vitamin C include:

• Sweet or hot peppers of any color
• Oranges and orange juice
• Grapefruit
• kiwifruit
• Many fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C are also excellent sources of flavonoids, which are compounds that can provide a wide range of health benefits. For example, flavonoids may help reduce the risk Trusted Source of upper respiratory tract infections.

Beyond the foods listed above, good sources of both vitamin C and flavonoids include:

• Other citrus fruits, such as lemons
• Red, blue, or purple berries
• Red or purple grapes
• Raw broccoli
• Raw, dark leafy greens