HEALTHY NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS

So Exactly What is the Influenza Virus?

The influenza virus is an airborne virus that has the ability to change slightly when it copies itself which makes this an extremely dangerous virus. Every so often the flu virus changes dramatically and causes a flu pandemic causing many people seek natural alternative cold and flu remedies.

The influenza virus has three major types:

• Influenza A.
• Influenza B.
• Influenza C.

Influenza C has not been linked with extensive outbreaks and only causes mild disease, however influenza A and B cause epidemics almost each year.

Influenza A virus which is the most severe is what the swine flu is considered.

They may have several of the same symptoms, however the flu which is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus is very different from a cold and much more dangerous.

Colds are:

• Caused by a different virus.
• Typically have less severe symptoms.
• Very ofter less likely to cause severe complications.

What Influenza Does.

The Influenza virus enters the body and goes into the respiratory tract where it binds to the surface of cells, opens and releases its genetic information RNA into the cells nucleus where the cells genetic information DNA and RNA is stored.

The virus than copies itself and hijacks the functions of the cell. The reproduction of the virus moves to the cell membrane killing the cell and releases the replicated virus into the body where they go on to infect other cells.

Flu Symptoms:

Symptoms from different types of influenza strains may vary, however they are very much like the symptoms of the common cold which include:

• Muscle pains.
• Sweats.
• Headache.
• Sore throat.
• Fatigue.
• Chills.
• Coughing.
• Fever.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.

Natural Alternative Cold and Flu Remedies.

Echinacea. – a natural herb known for enhancing the immune system, its antiviral and antioxidant properties make it popular for treating the common cold and flu. There is some clinical evidence that echinacea can diminish the symptoms of the common cold or flu however only if you have been taking it for at least a week or more before you get the cold or flu virus. You should be aware however that you have to stop taking this herbal remedy every so often because its effectiveness wears off if taken all the time.

Astragalus. – a plant native to Asia is a natural remedy commonly used in China for enhancing the immune system. It is traditionally used as an energy tonic but is popular for treating common colds, respiratory infections and the flu.
The root which is the part of the plant used medicinally is yellow and is considered to be one of the most vital herbs in customary Chinese medicine.

Vitamin D3. – this vitamin which is absorbed by the body better than vitamins D or D2 may be the most important vitamin for fighting the swine flu. Researchers have reported that vitamin D3 just might help thwart a cytokine storm.

A cytokine storm is when the body identifies foreign microorganisms representing an infection and reacts by over protecting the infected area. The body rushes so many antibodies to the infection site that they collect in a cytokine storm.

When the virus resides in the lungs, a cytokine storm can virtually block the airway resulting in suffocation.

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Vitamin D3 also plays an important role for aiding the immune system to fight microorganisms such as the swine flu. A number of experts believe that many people are more susceptible to the flu during winter months because of a lack of sunlight which is how we naturally get vitamin D. The shorter winter days equal to less sunlight which prevents the skin from producing sufficient levels of vitamin D3.

Although Vitamin D3 is not a cure for influenza, it is thought to be a major weapon in the fight against influenza and the common cold. It is also absorbed by the body better than vitamins D or D2.

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Water – drinking plenty of fresh water will help avoid dehydration which can result in the mucous membranes to shrink around your:

• Eyes.
• Mouth.
• Nose.

When these mucous membranes shrink it enhances the possibility of microorganisms getting through these barriers.

Rest. – getting plenty of rest helps boost the immune system and you should be sure to get plenty of it.

See a Doctor.

Because of the severity of the H1N1 swine flu virus, if you experience flu like symptoms that are severe and persistent, you should seek medical attention.

For more information on Natural Cold and Flu Remedies please visit Natural Cold and Flu Remedies.

~ To your health and well-being.
Healthy Nutritional Products.

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1. The H1N1 Swine Flu Epidemic.
2. Natural Cold and Flu Remedies.
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