What is influenza? Influenza is a virus which causes cough or sore throat accompanied by a fever. This virus is spread from person-to-person through saliva and mucus droplets often formed when coughing or sneezing. These droplets can also contaminate surfaces frequently touched, such as doorknobs, doors, and countertops. Sharing items like mobile and laptops can also spread the virus. Types: Three types of flu viruses exist -Influenza 1 -Influenza 2 -Influenza 3 Types A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics that hit the United States and Europe virtually every winter. The type C influenza virus causes mild respiratory illness and is not responsible for outbreaks. Causes: Flu viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the germs from an object such as a telephone or computer keyboard and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth. People with the virus are likely contagious from the day or so before symptoms first appear until about five days after symptoms begin, though sometimes people are contagious for as long as 10 days after symptoms appear. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for a slightly longer time. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, with new strains appearing regularly. If you've had influenza in the past, your body has already made antibodies to fight that particular strain of the virus. If future influenza viruses are similar to those you've encountered before, either by having the disease or by vaccination, those antibodies may prevent infection or lessen its severity. But antibodies against flu viruses you've encountered in the past can't protect you from new influenza subtypes that can be very different immunologically from what you had before. Symptoms: Confusing flu with a bad cold is common. Flu and cold symptoms may both include a runny/blocked nose, sore throat, and cough. To help you tell them apart, below are some symptoms of flu that are different from a heavy cold: -high temperature -cold sweats and shivers -headache -aching joints and limbs -fatigue, feeling exhausted *Early symptoms of flu: Often, fatigue is one of the earliest signs of flu and cold. With flu, the fatigue is often more extreme. Other early symptoms can include cough, sore throat, fever, body ache, chills, and gastrointestinal Changes. Diagnosis: Since the symptoms of an influenza infection are different from the common cold, the diagnosis can be made fairly quickly. Your doctor will be able to tell that you have the flu if you have at least some or most of these symptoms: aches and pains everywhere, especially in the back and legs bad headache burning sensation in the chest dry cough at first, then bringing up sputum high fever nausea and possible vomiting sore throat runny or stuffy nose Role Of Homeopathy In Influenza: It is evident that homeopathic medicines provide very good results in treating as well as preventing the disease called flu or influenza. ... Some of the important flu remedies are Aconite, Belladona, Bryonia, Rhus Toxicodendron, Gelsemium etc. It should be noted that patients should avoid self medication. Foods to eat: Food is what gives your body the energy and nutrients it needs to function. Such effects are equally vital when you have the flu. Still, it s all about eating the right foods for your condition. Consider eating the following foods when you have the flu. 1. Broth Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or vegetable, broth is one of the best things you can eat when you have the flu. You can eat it as soon as your symptoms begin and until you have fully recovered. Broth helps prevent dehydration, and the warm elements can help soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion. 2. Chicken soup Chicken soup combines the benefits of broth along with additional ingredients. Cut-up chicken provides your body with iron and protein, and you ll also gain nutrients from carrots, herbs, and celery. You can eat chicken soup throughout the duration of the flu to help keep you hydrated and satiated; just be sure to watch the salt content. 3. Garlic While you might think of garlic as a food-flavoring agent, it s actually been used in alternative medicine for a variety of ailments for centuries. One study of garlic supplements in adults with the flu found enhanced immunity and reduced symptom severity. You don t necessarily have to take supplements, though. Eating raw garlic may also be beneficial. Due to the immune-enhancing effects, consider eating garlic at the first signs of the flu. 4. Yogurt Yogurt with live cultures not only can help soothe a sore throat but can also boost your immune system, according to a study of mice reported in the journal International Immunopharmacology. Yogurt also contains protein. You can eat yogurt while your throat is sore, but just be sure to choose whole yogurts without any added sugars. 5. Vitamin C containing fruits Vitamin C is an important nutrient to help boost your immune system, which is especially important when you re sick. While supplements can help, your body can absorb nutrients like vitamin C more effectively from the foods you eat. Consider snacking on vitamin C rich fruits while you have the flu. Some fruits high in vitamin C include strawberries, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. 6. Leafy greens Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens can also help boost your immune system when you have the flu. They have both vitamin C and vitamin E, another immune-enhancing nutrient. Consider combining leafy greens with fruit in a smoothie, or eat them raw with a drizzle of lemon and olive oil. It s best to eat these immune-boosting foods throughout the duration of your illness. 7. Broccoli Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse that can benefit your body when you have the flu. Eating just one serving will provide immune-boosting vitamins C and E, along with calcium and fiber. Consider eating broccoli when your appetite returns toward the middle or end of the flu. You can also eat broccoli soup; just remember to check the sodium content. 8. Oatmeal When you re sick, a hot bowl of oatmeal can be a soothing, nutritious food choice. Oatmeal, like other whole grains, is also a natural source of immune-boosting vitamin E. It also contains polyphenol antioxidants as well as immune-strengthening beta-glucan fiber. Choose whole oats for the most benefits. 9. Spices Toward the end of the flu, you might have increased sinus and chest congestion. Certain spices, such as pepper and horseradish, can help break up congestion so you can breathe better. However, avoid spicy foods when you have a sore throat.

What is Bronchitis? A cold or the flu runs its course in a couple weeks if you re lucky. After that, you re back to normal. But sometimes you may get bronchitis, too. That s when your bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs, get infected and swollen. You end up with a nagging cough and a lot more mucus. Types: -Acute bronchitis: This is the more common one. Symptoms last for a few weeks, but it doesn t usually cause any problems past that. -Chronic bronchitis: This one is more serious, in that it keeps coming back or doesn t go away at all. It s one of the conditions that make up what's called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Causes: Most often, the same viruses that give you a cold or the flu also cause bronchitis. Sometimes, though, bacteria are to blame. In both cases, as your body fights off the germs, your bronchial tubes swell and make more mucus. That means you have smaller openings for air to flow, which can make it harder to breathe. If any of these things describe your situation, you have a bigger chance of getting bronchitis: You have a weaker immune system. This is sometimes the case for older adults and people with ongoing diseases, as well as for babies and young children. Even a cold can make it more likely since your body s already busy fighting off those germs. You smoke or live with a smoker. You work around substances that bother your lungs, such as chemical fumes or dust. (Examples: coal mining, working around farm animals). You live in or travel to a place with poor air quality or lots of pollution. Symptoms: -Cough and production of mucous or sputum are the two most common symptoms of bronchitis. -Due to excess production of mucous within the bronchial tubes, the cough reflex is induced in a bid to get rid of the mucous. The mucous is usually whitish in colour. -Often patients feel shortness of breath. This shortness of breath is aggravated on any physical activity like walking, running or climbing stairs. -There may be wheezing in the chest while breathing. A sensation of tightness or heaviness in the chest may be felt. -Exercising or running or climbing stairs is often difficult as the compromised lungs are unable to meet the increased requirements of oxygen. Diagnosis: Your doctor usually can tell whether you have bronchitis based on a physical exam and your symptoms. She ll ask questions about your cough, such as how long you ve had it and what kind of mucus comes up with it. She ll also listen to your lungs to see whether anything sounds wrong, like wheezing. That s usually it, but in some cases, your doctor may: -Check the oxygen levels in your blood. This is done with a sensor that goes on your toe or finger. -Do a lung function test. You ll breathe into a device called a spirometer to test for emphysema (a type of COPD in which air sacs in your lungs thin out and are destroyed) and asthma. -Give you a chest X-ray. This is to check for pneumonia or another illness that could cause your cough -Order blood tests. -Test your mucus to rule out diseases caused by bacteria. One of these is whooping cough, which is also called pertussis. It causes violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe. If your doctor suspects this or suspects the flu she'll also take a nasal swab. Role of Homeopathy In Bronchitis: When it comes to treating bronchitis, Homeopathy is very effective. In fact, it is the most promising system of medicine for the treatment of bronchitis. Here one must mention that the preventable or avoidable causes of bronchitis should be and must be removed. It is very important that one should stop smoking if the patient is suffering from bronchitis. Any sort of pollution should also be avoided. In homeopathy, I have seen pretty severe cases of bronchitis getting cured. Diet and Non-Diet Food: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can also eat meats low in fat, chicken, fish, and low-fat or nonfat dairy.

Flu Tips & Advice From Top Doctors

Last Updated: 6 years ago• Featured Tip

Why Should You Get A Flu Short On Time?

Dr. Vikas Mittal

MBBS, MD - Internal Medicine

General Physician•Jaipur

There are a variety of reasons why a person can fall sick. A good number of these illnesses cannot be prevented though a person may take general precautions. Having said that, in the case of influenza, it can be prevented to a large extent and it does not seem all that smart to avoid taking easy precautions when one has an option, right?

Every year, thousands of people die from influenza, which is so unfortunate because an annual shot can reduce that number by almost 60 percent. So what...more

Last Updated: 6 years ago• Featured Tip

Why Chose Homeopathy For Treating Common Ailments?

Dr. Chandraprovo Dutta88%(83 ratings)

B.H.M.S.

Homeopathy Doctor•Kolkata

We all have used homeopathy as a cure, and we know from experience that it works. This complementary modality of healing works on the principle of like kills like . All homeopathic medicines are derived from natural sources and are then diluted and potentized to make them safe.

Here are a few common ailments that respond very well to homoeopathic medicines:

Common Cold - There are homeopathic remedies for common cold and hay fever. They are very effective when there is a wat...more

Last Updated: 6 years ago• Featured Tip

Common Cold - How Homeopathy Can Subdue It?

Dr. Sonal Jain90%(406 ratings)

Bachlor in homoeopathic

Homeopathy Doctor•Pune

Common cold, like the name suggests, is one of the most common diseases in the world. It is a communicable disease, mainly occurring during seasonal change, even though it is not chronic in nature. And homeopathy has the most effective medicines which treat common cold without the side effects offered by allopathic medicines, such as drowsiness.

Read on to know which are those:

1. Aconite

This homeopathic medicine is recommended when the most preliminary signs of commo...more

Last Updated: 6 years ago• Featured Tip

what Is Influenza ?

Dr. Ramakrishna Chanduri87%(5406 ratings)

BHMS

Homeopath•Hyderabad

What is influenza?
Influenza is a virus which causes cough or sore throat accompanied by a fever. This virus is spread from person-to-person through saliva and mucus droplets often formed when coughing or sneezing. These droplets can also contaminate surfaces frequently touched, such as doorknobs, doors, and countertops. Sharing items like mobile and laptops can also spread the virus.
Types:
Three types of flu viruses exist
-Influenza 1
-Influenza 2
-Influenza 3
Types...more

395 people found this helpful

Last Updated: 6 years ago• Featured Tip

Seasonal Flu In Adults - Ways To Treat It!

Dr. Shivram Bhonagiri90%(99 ratings)

MBBS, MD - Internal Medicine

General Physician•Pune

Having a fever makes you feel weak such that you don t feel like doing anything. Medical treatment for flu includes usage of antiviral drugs as prescribed for decreasing the severity and duration of the infection. You may also consult your doctor to know about the antibiotics that can treat bacterial infections which may arise as an effect of flu. However, antibiotics are not always required for treating viral infections like flu. On the contrary, you can also follow a few home remedies to get r...more

Last Updated: 6 years ago• Featured Tip

What Is Bronchitis?

Dr. Prashant K Vaidya90%(18373 ratings)

Diploma In Gastroenterology, Diploma In ...read more

Homeopath•Hyderabad

What is Bronchitis?
A cold or the flu runs its course in a couple weeks if you re lucky. After that, you re back to normal. But sometimes you may get bronchitis, too.
That s when your bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs, get infected and swollen. You end up with a nagging cough and a lot more mucus.
Types:
-Acute bronchitis: This is the more common one. Symptoms last for a few weeks, but it doesn t usually cause any problems past that.
-Chronic bronchitis: This one...more

Last Updated: 6 years ago• Featured Tip

What Is Bronchitis?

Dr. Ramakrishna Chanduri87%(5406 ratings)

BHMS

Homeopath•Hyderabad

What is Bronchitis?
A cold or the flu runs its course in a couple weeks if you re lucky. After that, you re back to normal. But sometimes you may get bronchitis, too.
That s when your bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs, get infected and swollen. You end up with a nagging cough and a lot more mucus.
Types:
-Acute bronchitis: This is the more common one. Symptoms last for a few weeks, but it doesn t usually cause any problems past that.
-Chronic bronchitis: This one...more

Last Updated: 6 years ago• Featured Tip

What Is Bronchitis?

Dr. Sathish Erra93%(21083 ratings)

BHMS, Diploma in Dermatology

Sexologist•Hyderabad

What is Bronchitis?
A cold or the flu runs its course in a couple weeks if you re lucky. After that, you re back to normal. But sometimes you may get bronchitis, too.
That s when your bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs, get infected and swollen. You end up with a nagging cough and a lot more mucus.
Types:
-Acute bronchitis: This is the more common one. Symptoms last for a few weeks, but it doesn t usually cause any problems past that.
-Chronic bronchitis: This one...more

979 people found this helpful

Last Updated: 6 years ago• Featured Tip

6 Reasons Why You Must Get Vaccinated!

Dr. Maqul Gupta91%(111 ratings)

MBBS, Diploma In Family Medicine, Fellow...read more

General Physician•Firozpur

Parents need to do everything possible to ensure their kids are in good health and shielded from preventable diseases. Vaccination is an ideal approach for the same. Vaccination shields children from serious sickness and the complications of diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. This can include removal of an arm or leg, loss of motion of limbs, hearing loss, paralysis, brain damage and even death. Vaccination is very safe and is always successful. All the vaccines go through a long and...more

Last Updated: 6 years ago• Featured Tip

Aromatherapy - What Are Its Amazing Benefits?

Bnchy Wellness Medispa88%(582 ratings)

Bachelor of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences...read more

Ayurvedic Doctor•Delhi

Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that dates back to ancient times across many cultures. This is a practice where concentrated oils are used to treat many imbalances and disorders within the body. The oils emit a fragrance or aroma, through which many important molecules enter your blood stream which have a healing effect. The oils can be applied on the skin and the aroma is then absorbed directly into the body through it. They can also be used as an aromatic agent where you need to sniff them...more