Swine Flu Medicines

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Home remedies are terrific for many things, but did you also know that there are home remedies for snoring? They are natural, safe and, best of all – they are free. If you are looking for the perfect home remedy for snoring, you are at the right place.

Sleeping on your side is a terrific home remedy for snoring. Research shows that individuals who sleep on their back snore more often than side sleepers. Another good home remedy for snoring is to sleep on two pillows instea…
sleep apnea,snoring treatments,sleeping disorder,snoring remedy,stop snoring, snoring, snoring aids
Home remedies are terrific for many things, but did you also know that there are home remedies for snoring? They are natural, safe and, best of all – they are free. If you are looking for the perfect home remedy for snoring, you are at the right place.

Sleeping on your side is a terrific home remedy for snoring. Research shows that individuals who sleep on their back snore more often than side sleepers. Another good home remedy for snoring is to sleep on two pillows instead of one. The additional few inches of elevation may help you to breathe better through the night, which may help you to say goodbye to snoring altogether.

If you are an allergy sufferer, there may be a home remedy for snoring that you can use to also help eliminate your allergy symptoms. When airway passages become restricted, which is often the case with allergies, snoring is a possible result. Breathing steam from hot running water is a home remedy for snoring that is also great for opening the nasal passages and improving breathing. In addition, ridding your home of airborne allergens with the use of air filtration units can help to get rid of many airborne allergens.

Many snoring sufferers, who are searching for the perfect home remedy for snoring, turn to anti-snoring aids for help. The Sleep Genie is one such device, which is doctor recommended. While comfortably supporting the jaw with it’s nylon lycra blend, the Sleep Genie holds the mouth closed to prevent snoring. The best part is that this anti-snoring device requires no medication, no invasive surgery and does not hinder the wearer’s movement during the night.

Another home remedy for snoring is weight loss. A combination of diet and exercise will not only help you to lose weight and lessen the chances of snoring, but will also promote a healthier lifestyle overall. Obesity is one of the leading causes of snoring, so consider shedding those unwanted pounds and your snoring habit in the process.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

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Swine Flu is a disease caused by a specific type of avian (bird) influenza virus, the so-called H5N1 virus. This virus was first discovered in birds in China in 1997, and since then has infected 125 people in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia, killing 64 of them. It is spread by infected migratory birds (including wild ducks and geese) to domestic poultry (primarily chickens, ducks, and turkeys), and then to humans.
Swine Flu, avian flu, avian influenza, virus, h5n1 virus, pandemic,
Swine Flu is a disease caused by a specific type of avian (bird) influenza virus, the so-called H5N1 virus. This virus was first discovered in birds in China in 1997, and since then has infected 125 people in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia, killing 64 of them. It is spread by infected migratory birds (including wild ducks and geese) to domestic poultry (primarily chickens, ducks, and turkeys), and then to humans.

Some infected people have developed abnormal clotting profiles resulting in excessive bleeding-which was a frequent clinical symptom in the deadly so-called Spanish influenza of 1918-19, which killed more than 100 million people worldwide. Indeed, Swine Flu shares a number of disturbing characteristics with the 1918-19 influenza virus. These two viruses have, in fact, recently been shown to be similar genetically. And in a recent laboratory experiment with mice, the 1918-19 virus was found to produce 39,000 times more viruses four days after infection than the regular seasonal human flu strain. The 1918-19 virus killed 100 percent of the mice that were infected with it, compared to none of the mice infected with the regular flu strain. With a current “case fatality rate,?or death rate of approximately 50 percent in humans, Swine Flu is obviously also a very deadly disease.

There are only a few reports in the medical literature describing the clinical features of Swine Flu in humans. The clinical spectrum of H5N1 infection ranges from asymptomatic infection-where the person doesn’t even know he or she is infected-to fatal pneumonia and multiple organ failure. Some infected individuals develop liver or kidney dysfunction, and there were two children who died from the virus that came to medical attention because of diarrhea and seizures related to encephalitis (infection of the brain). However, the most common presentation is one of fever, cough, and trouble breathing. Approximately 70 percent of patients also have diarrhea, and a few patients have had only gastrointestinal symptoms (such as stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea) and no breathing problems.

Deaths have generally been in normally healthy people. The first report in the medical literature of deaths from Swine Flu was on 12 patients living in Hong Kong. Their median age was nine years, with a range of one to 60 years. All presented with fever, and eight had symptoms or signs of upper-respiratory infections (five had clinical and X-ray evidence of pneumonia when first diagnosed). Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, were present in eight patients. There were a total of five deaths (one died with Reye’s syndrome, which is associated with taking aspirin in children).

In a study of 10 patients in Vietnam with laboratory-confirmed avian influenza (H5N1), the mean age of the patients was 13.7 years. For eight of the patients, there was a clear history of either direct handling of poultry (chickens or ducks) or exposure to sick poultry in the week before the onset of illness. All presented in January 2004 with cough, shortness of breath, and fever, and seven had diarrhea; none had myalgia (muscle aches)-which is often found in the regular seasonal flu. Notably, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) was administered to five patients, four of whom died (treatment was probably started too late for the medication to be effective-it must be given within 48 hours after onset of symptoms to be effective). In total, eight of the patients died, for an 80 percent case fatality rate or death rate.

As is apparent from the descriptions above, the presenting symptoms of individuals with Swine Flu are very similar to the symptoms of the normal seasonal flu. Infections caused by either the bird-flu virus (H5N1) or the seasonal influenza virus can be completely asymptomatic-that is, cause no symptoms at all. Fever, cough, malaise (feeling ill), and gastrointestinal symptoms are common to both infections. Excessive bleeding occurs only with Swine Flu, but currently this symptom doesn’t appear to be common. Difficulty breathing is more common with severe cases of Swine Flu, not seasonal flu. Runny nose and sneezing are found only with colds (or allergies).

The cough in either type of infection is what is referred to in medicine as “nonproductive?meaning there is no sputum brought up when coughing, or if any sputum is brought up, it is white in color. This type of cough is characteristic of upper respiratory viral infections. As either type of infection progresses or worsens, tissues may be damaged, disrupting the normal structure and function of the infected cells. This in turn may allow bacteria to grow and also cause damage. When this happens following a viral infection, it is referred to as a “secondary?bacterial infection. When this occurs, the color of the sputum characteristically turns yellow or green. If this happens, antibiotics are indicated to treat the bacterial infection. (Antibiotics are not indicated in the treatment of viral infections, because they don’t work.)

It is safe to assume that during a bird-flu pandemic, most individuals who become infected with the bird-flu virus will either be asymptomatic-having no symptoms-or their illness will not be severe enough to require hospitalization. The small percentage who do become seriously ill will have to be hospitalized, and treated with either of the two antiviral agents available, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza). A smaller subset of that group will develop life-threatening complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which requires treatment with a mechanical ventilator, a respirator.

Some individuals may develop other serious complications such as liver failure, kidney failure, neurological problems-such as seizures, paralysis, psychiatric problems such as delirium or psychosis, or bleeding problems. However, it is reasonable to predict that most people infected with the virus will not die and will not have significant residual symptoms, although a small percentage will.

Bradford Frank, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
The Frank Group
P.O. Box 138
Lakewood, NY 14750
www.AvoidBirdFlu.com

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Gastroenteritis means inflammation of stomach as well as the gastrointestinal tract. It is also known as stomach flu. It can be caused by an infection, virus, bacterium or parasite. These viruses can lead to condition like fever, diarrhea and vomiting. The different viruses that cause gastroenteritis are rotavirus, adenoviruses, caliciviruses and astroviruses. The signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis may vary depending upon the individual. It is very important that your doct…
Gastroenteritis home remedies, Stomach Flu, Diarrhea, vomiting
Gastroenteritis means inflammation of stomach as well as the gastrointestinal tract. It is also known as stomach flu. It can be caused by an infection, virus, bacterium or parasite. These viruses can lead to condition like fever, diarrhea and vomiting. The different viruses that cause gastroenteritis are rotavirus, adenoviruses, caliciviruses and astroviruses. The signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis may vary depending upon the individual. It is very important that your doctor makes the proper diagnosis before writing down the prescription.

This condition may not cause too much harm if proper care is taken. You body takes quite a toll due to diarrhea and other symptoms. Without proper care it can be get severe. Adults as well as kids are not spared by this inconvenience. Gastroenteritis can be contagious and can spread from person to person. The contamination of drinking water is one of the reasons for trouble. Unhygienic food and unhygienic conditions of maintaining the food causes problem too. Sea food in the likes of shellfish reaped in polluted water and handled by unhygienic people creates problems.

One of the common symptoms of gastroenteritis is severe diarrhea. It is the main reason for dehydration. You also suffer stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. Due to this continuous pain there is loss of appetite, fever or chills. You also endure body ache as well as stiffness of your joints. There is lack of stool control. Dark color urine should ring a bell. It is very important that you wash your hands once you have been to the bathroom. By keeping your kitchen spic and span you can avoid any causes of infection. Drink boiled or bottled water. Avoid food which is half-cooked especially seafood.

Children are the common patients of gastroenteritis and special care has to be taken for that. Due to loss of fluids it is very important that the child remains dehydrated by constant intake of fluids. Take plenty of rest. Consume at least eight to ten glasses of water everyday. Avoid spicy food and eat more of vegetables. Plain and simple food may go a long way.

Some Home Remedies

You can make concoction by using eight ounces of fruit juice (one, which won’t escalate your gastro problem), 1/2 tsp honey, corn syrup and a pinch of salt, mixed in a glass. In another glass you can have 8 ounces of purified water with 1/4 tsp baking soda. Drink alternately from each glass until it’s over.

Having clay mixed with water is very good to prevent gastro.

Campfire ash used also helps due to its astringent and drying-up effect when brewed in tea.

Blackberry root when made into a tea can assist with your gastro problem.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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Inguinal hernia is a very common disorder, affecting millions of people in the United States alone. Considered to be a surgical disease, inguinal hernia accounts for thousands of annual operations worldwide.
Hernia, Hiatal Hernia, Inguinal Hernia, Sports Hernia, Umbilical Hernia, Hernia Surgery
Inguinal hernia is a very common disorder, affecting millions of people in the United States alone. Considered to be a surgical disease, inguinal hernia accounts for thousands of annual operations worldwide.

Although inguinal hernia can occur in both sexes, the disorder predominantly affects men. Also, this type of hernia has the highest incidence in the elderly, people who frequently sustain physical effort and smokers. Inguinal hernia usually occurs on the background of a weak lower abdominal wall, allowing the internal soft tissues to pierce through it. The symptoms of inguinal hernia are: abdominal pain and discomfort (which intensify with intense physical effort or sudden moves), abdominal bloating and nausea. Some people with inguinal hernia are asymptomatic, rendering the process of diagnosing the disorder a lot more difficult.

There are many factors that can lead to the development of inguinal hernia, such as birth defects, internal disorders or acquired weaknesses of the abdominal wall. In the recent past, the majority of patients who were diagnosed with inguinal hernia were suggested to have their disorder surgically corrected as soon as possible. However, nowadays there are many debates over the necessity of surgical intervention when dealing with patients diagnosed with inguinal hernia. Although the surgery for inguinal hernia is a simple procedure, most patients experience a post-operative recurrence of the disorder. Hence, in many cases the surgical treatment for inguinal hernia only provides temporary relief, and most patients who suffer surgical hernia repair are later hospitalized due to complications.

Physicians have begun to doubt the efficiency of most surgical treatments for inguinal hernia and nowadays they only recommend surgical interventions to patients with complicated forms of the disorder. The majority of patients diagnosed with uncomplicated inguinal hernia nowadays have the possibility to decide whether they will have their hernia surgically repaired or not and in many cases, the best option for patients is to delay surgery until it is absolutely required. Statistics reveal that the patients who have their inguinal hernia surgically corrected can in time experience a relapse of the disorder and they are actually more exposed to developing complications than the patients who delay their surgery.

In many cases, the factors that lead to the recurrence of inguinal hernia in patients who suffer surgery are related to native predispositions. It seems that most patients who experience a post-operative recurrence of their inguinal hernia have a weak abdominal wall or other internal physiological abnormalities. The categories exposed to the highest risk of relapse are: people with native defects of the internal organs (gastrointestinal problems), people with physiological abnormalities of the abdominal wall and people whose careers involve intense physical activities. Patients who belong to these categories are advised to delay their inguinal hernia surgery for as long as possible, in order to prevent a recurrence or even an aggravation of the disorder.

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No plant on earth grows under more stressful conditions than does the goji. It was not surprising when scientists found the little red berry chock full of highly bioactive polysaccharides.

Bioactive polysaccharides are a family of complex carbohydrates that are bound to proteins. They are produced by some plants as an extremely effective defense mechanism against attack against today’s environmental issues and attacks on our bodies. When we eat plants that are rich in poly…
goji juice,health,nutrition
No plant on earth grows under more stressful conditions than does the goji. It was not surprising when scientists found the little red berry chock full of highly bioactive polysaccharides.

Bioactive polysaccharides are a family of complex carbohydrates that are bound to proteins. They are produced by some plants as an extremely effective defense mechanism against attack against today’s environmental issues and attacks on our bodies. When we eat plants that are rich in polysaccharides, these protective effects are bestowed upon us. Until recent years, scientist had put all polysaccharides together with other carbohydrates such as starches and sugars. They had considered them to be of value only as a source of energy. All that changed when it was discovered that certain types of polysaccharides could cause beneficial changes to the human body.

Four primary bioactive polysaccharides were discovered in Lycium Barbarum (Latin name for goji) named LBP (Lycium Barbarum polysaccharides). These four were named LBP1, LBP2, LBP3, and LBP4.

LBP polysaccharides proved to have exceptional sources of the essential cell sugars (glycoconjugates), rhamnose, xylose, glucose, mannose, arabinose and galactose- that are necessary for proper immune function and cells to communicate. In fact, goji may be the richest source of glyconutrients yet found.

Scientists tested goji berry samples looking for polysaccharide content. They found that there was great variation in levels of LBP’s among the berries from different regions. Berries that are said to be highly effective contain the full range of LBP and not just one or two. Each of the four main polysaccharides has their own distinct benefit. Studies show, for the highest biological activity, all polysaccharides must be present.

Research strongly suggests that goji’s unique polysaccharides work in the body as directors and carriers of cell information and therefore command and control many of the body’s biochemical defense systems.
Four primary bioactive polysaccharides were discovered in Lycium Barbarum (Latin name for goji) named LBP (Lycium Barbarum polysaccharides). These four were named LBP1, LBP2, LBP3, and LBP4.

LBP polysaccharides proved to have exceptional sources of the essential cell sugars (glycoconjugates), rhamnose, xylose, glucose, mannose, arabinose and galactose- that are necessary for proper immune function and cells to communicate. In fact, goji may be the richest source of glyconutrients yet found.

Research strongly suggests that goji’s unique polysaccharides work in the body as directors and carriers of cell information and therefore command and control many of the body’s biochemical defense systems.

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Alcoholism is a serious illness that is treatable, but the first step toward an alcoholism cure is to realize there is a problem. If you drink because you feel sad or angry, if it causes you to be late for work or not show up at all, if your family worries about your drinking habit or if you ever tell yourself that you won’t drink and then do it anyway, you may be suffering from alcoholism.

The second step to a successful alcoholism cure is to visit a doctor to determine w…
alcoholism cure
Alcoholism is a serious illness that is treatable, but the first step toward an alcoholism cure is to realize there is a problem. If you drink because you feel sad or angry, if it causes you to be late for work or not show up at all, if your family worries about your drinking habit or if you ever tell yourself that you won’t drink and then do it anyway, you may be suffering from alcoholism.

The second step to a successful alcoholism cure is to visit a doctor to determine whether or not you have a dependency on alcohol, whether or not you should cut back or quit altogether. If you find that you consume alcohol even though you have other medical problems, it is important that you stop right away. A physician will advise you on the best way to begin your alcoholism cure.

Because alcoholism tends to be passed down genetically, you may be at a higher risk for developing dependency and a pattern of excessive drinking before you even know it. If your family does have a history of alcoholism, it is best to minimize or completely avoid social drinking.

Once you recognize the problem and wish to proceed with an alcoholism cure, you should take a piece of paper and write down all of the reasons that you want to stop drinking. The next step is to set a realistic goal, which should not be overly harsh or unreachable. During your treatment, keep a journal of your drinking habits so that you can make sure to stay on track. This should be done for one month and will provide you with motivation to continue reducing your alcohol intake.

One of the most positive steps toward an alcoholism cure is to remove all of the alcohol from your home. Staying active may also help to reduce your desire to drink and may include a trip to the movies, a sporting event or dining out at a local restaurant. By removing yourself from situations where you may be tempted to drink, you may effectively lessen the likelihood that you will even want a drink. If you find that your attempts at an alcoholism cure are unsuccessful, join a support group or enroll in a treatment clinic on either an in-patient or out-patient basis.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations for an alcoholism cure. Before deciding on the most effective method of treatment, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.

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As reports of Swine Flu across the world increase, there are a number of answers that are important to know.
Swine Flu, avian flu, h5n1, health
Q – What is Swine Flu?

A – Swine Flu is an infection of a flu virus known to affect birds, particularly migratory birds, ducks and chickens. Swine Flu is also reportedly known to affect pigs and most recently, humans. Thought to affect all species, the virus does not adversely affect ducks. Ducks have developed antibodies against the virus and they only act as carriers of the disease without exhibiting any symptoms of Swine Flu infection.

Migratory birds are carriers of the Swine Flu virus and do not show symptoms of Swine Flu infection. This makes them a crucial factor in the spreading of the disease. Other known diseases are transmitted in one area or a few areas only with a small radius. However, in the case of Swine Flu, the virus can be transmitted over great distances ?from one country to another ?since migratory birds travel from continent to continent. Another factor that contributes to the spreading of the disease is the exportation and importation of infected birds in the international markets.

Q – How is Swine Flu transmitted?

A – Swine Flu is transmitted through direct contact with infected poultry, particularly upon contact with infected skin, saliva, nasal secretions and feces. The virus also spreads through poultry feeds, water reservoirs and cages. When birds are packed closely together, such as in poultry farms, the avian influenza viruses spread very rapidly among them. Transmission of the virus from chickens to humans can occur through contact with equipment, vehicles and clothing that have secretions from infected poultry.

Swine Flu virus is resilient. It can survive in contaminated manure at very low temperatures for at least three months. The virus can survive in water for up to four days in hot temperatures and up to 30 days in cold temperatures. However, heat and disinfectants such as formalin and other iodine compounds are able to kill the virus.

Q – Who are at risk?

A – Many people mistakenly believe that they can contract the Swine Flu virus if they eat cooked chicken and eggs. However, chickens cooked at 56 degrees Celsius for three hours or at 60 degrees Celsius for half an hour are safe. The only way that people can contract the virus is if they come in direct contact with secretions and feces of infected poultry. Poultry raisers and those who are in the poultry and livestock industry are highly susceptible to contracting the virus. Those who prepare chickens and eggs of infected poultry may also be infected if the virus is fresh enough to infect them.

Q – Is there a possibility of human to human transmission of the Swine Flu virus?

A – Fortunately, there is still no sign of the Swine Flu virus being transmitted from one human to another. There have been cases of humans being infected with the virus and dying from it, but these people acquired the infection directly from birds and not from another infected person. This needs to be emphasized because there are some who think that the disease could be contracted from an infected human similar to how ordinary flu is transmitted.

To date, there is no evidence of human to human transmission of the Swine Flu virus. However, many scientists believe that human to human transmission of the Swine Flu virus is highly possible because the virus is can easily mutate and is constantly evolving. Mutation of the virus may lead to human to human transmission and scientist say this can occur in two ways. One, the virus enters the human body and mutates within the body, and two, the virus combines with ordinary human flu in the body of humans or pigs, which are susceptible to both kinds of flu.

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is the medical term for what most people refer to as acid reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal is a relatively new term for acid reflux disease. It has been used for approximately the past 20 years. Before that it was just referred to as heartburn. But heartburn is just one of the symptoms of GERD. Some of the other symptoms of GERD are regurgitation, hoarseness or laryngitis, the feeling of a lump in the throat, coughing, bad breath,…
GERD, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, acid reflux, heartburn
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is the medical term for what most people refer to as acid reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal is a relatively new term for acid reflux disease. It has been used for approximately the past 20 years. Before that it was just referred to as heartburn. But heartburn is just one of the symptoms of GERD. Some of the other symptoms of GERD are regurgitation, hoarseness or laryngitis, the feeling of a lump in the throat, coughing, bad breath, asthma, difficulty swallowing, and water brash. Some people with GERD do not have any symptoms at all.

What happens to cause GERD? It starts with acid in the stomach washing back up into the esophagus repeatedly, which happens if the lower esophageal sphincter becomes relaxed.

Some foods and beverages can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. This is not an all-inclusive list but some of the most common are: chocolate, licorice, peppermint, fatty foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol. Barbiturates, calcium-channel blockers, Diazepam and Sumitriptan are some of the medications that cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and allow acid back in to the esophagus.

Lifestyle changes can be very effective in helping to control GERD although over- the-counter medications, prescription medications, and possibly surgery, may also be necessary. Some of the lifestyle changes that may help control GERD include: losing weight if you are overweight, avoiding high-fat foods, not lying down right after eating, not eating large heavy meals (i.e. don’t overstuff yourself-especially on fatty foods), and stopping smoking if you are a smoker.

GERD can be a difficult disease to diagnosis. That is because of the wide range of symptoms people can experience and the complication of some people not experiencing any symptoms at all. It is easier to diagnosis if a person is experiencing the classic symptoms of GERD which are heartburn and regurgitation. In some cases a physician will not do tests right away but will first prescribe over-the-counter or prescription medications to see if they clear up the symptoms.

If the medications do not take care of the symptoms then a physician will likely do one or more of the following diagnostic tests: x-rays with a barium swallow, an upper gastrointestinal x-ray series, an upper endoscopy, an esophageal manometry, or a 24-hour pH probe. The reason physicians may try over-the-counter or prescription medications before running tests is because some of the tests, such as the upper endoscopy and pH probe are invasive, and because of the costs of some of the tests.

After diagnosing GERD, a physician will recommend lifestyle changes such as the ones mentioned earlier in this article to help control the GERD, and depending on the severity will recommend over-the-counter medications or will prescribe a stronger medication by prescription. The medications may need to be continued indefinitely because over half of all people who stop taking their medications after getting their symptoms under control have a recurrence within a year.

If the medications do not alleviate the symptoms, surgery may be needed. Surgery is also an alternative to having to take medications indefinitely. A procedure called a “Nissen fundoplication?is the type of surgery typically done to relieve GERD. In the surgery the upper part of the stomach located near the esophagus, called the “fundus,?is wrapped around the lower esophagus. Doing this strengthens the barrier function of the lower esophagus, thus preventing gastreosophageal reflux and repairing the main irregularity that occurs in people suffering from GERD. The surgery is usually done laparoscopically. It is considered a safe surgery (but remember any surgery carries risks) that typically gives good results.

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So why are health experts becoming alarmed about the H5N1 (“bird flu? virus? People are concerned because the virus has demonstrated the ability to kill a high percentage of the humans it infects.
avoid Swine Flu h5n1 avian influenza outbreak pandemic worldwide health virus infection infectious disease
Avian influenza or “bird flu?has now caused more than 60 deaths worldwide, with the most recent epidemic in Indonesia, where four people have died. On a global basis, 60 deaths are not very many. So why are health experts becoming alarmed about the H5N1 (“bird flu? virus? People are concerned because the virus has demonstrated the ability to kill a high percentage of the humans it infects. In addition, it has spread from birds to many other species, which is very uncharacteristic of viruses. The spread of infection in birds increases the opportunities for direct infection of humans. If more humans become infected over time, the likelihood also increases that humans, if concurrently infected with human and avian-influenza strains, could serve as the “mixing vessel?for the emergence of a novel subtype-with sufficient human genes to be easily transmitted from person to person.

Once the virus acquires the capability to “go human,?an influenza pandemic (that is, a worldwide epidemic) would likely ensue in a matter of weeks. To date, the vast majority of infections of Swine Flu in humans have been acquired by close contact with domestic poultry. However, there is one documented case of human-to-human transmission in Thailand. It remains a curious fact that most people who have worked with poultry infected with the bird-flu virus, culling infected birds for example, have not become infected-a fact that no one seems able to adequately explain.

The antigenic changes (that is, changes in the exterior proteins-Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase) in bird and human influenza viruses go on year after year. Annual influenza outbreaks typically do not cause severe illness and death, because people have built up natural immunity to the viruses over a period of years. Rapid spread of H5N1 viruses between humans, on the other hand, will led to explosive global expansion in which everyone is at risk for infection, illness, and death because of a complete lack of natural immunity to the virus.

Because avian influenza or “bird flu?is much more deadly than the regular annual flu in humans, coupled with the high infectiousness of influenza viruses in general, a bird-flu pandemic is potentially very deadly, causing many tens-or even hundreds-of millions of deaths across the globe. In September 2005, Dr. David Nabarro of the World Health Organization (WHO) stated, “A new pandemic would claim between 5 million and 150 million people.?
Once a flu pandemic starts, everyone will be at risk of getting pandemic flu, because no one has natural immunity to the virus. However, certain groups may be at greater risk of dying than others. There are strong indications that the coming bird-flu pandemic may be similar to the influenza pandemic of 1918 and, if so, healthy adults would be most at risk of dying, along with pregnant women and the elderly.

Why are healthy adults at greatest risk? It appears that the H5N1 bird-flu virus causes a massive immunological response against the virus in those with the strongest immune systems. Unfortunately, this causes the release of human enzymes called “cytokines,?which destroy lung cells along with viral particles. This, in turn, causes a deadly outpouring of fluids into the lung, which interferes with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This reaction is frequently fatal. There are few effective treatments-one of the only treatments available is to place the patient on a ventilator, a mechanical respirator. Even with this treatment, patients often die from complications.

Bradford Frank, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
The Frank Group
P.O. Box 138
Lakewood, NY 14750
www.AvoidBirdFlu.com

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Strep throat is an illness that commonly accompanies flu or cold. Although it commonly affects children, strep throat can occur at any age. Unlike sore throat, an ailment caused by infection with viral agents, strep throat is caused by infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. These bacteria are very contagious and they can be easily acquired by entering in contact with infected people. In order to minimize the chances of acquiring strep throat, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and to avoid close contact with people who show signs of the illness. Although good personal hygiene can’t effectively prevent the occurrence of strep throat, it decreases the risks of acquiring streptococcus bacteria. People who suffer from strep throat should avoid entering in contact with other people in order to prevent spreading the illness.
strep throat, strep throat symptoms, treatment for strep throat
Strep throat is an illness that commonly accompanies flu or cold. Although it commonly affects children, strep throat can occur at any age. Unlike sore throat, an ailment caused by infection with viral agents, strep throat is caused by infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. These bacteria are very contagious and they can be easily acquired by entering in contact with infected people. In order to minimize the chances of acquiring strep throat, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and to avoid close contact with people who show signs of the illness. Although good personal hygiene can’t effectively prevent the occurrence of strep throat, it decreases the risks of acquiring streptococcus bacteria. People who suffer from strep throat should avoid entering in contact with other people in order to prevent spreading the illness.

Strep throat can generate intense symptoms such as difficult breathing, mucus-producing cough, headache, throat inflammation and pain, enlargement of the tonsils and lymph nodes, and fever. In some cases, strep throat can be accompanied by scarlet fever, generating skin inflammation and rashes. Although it may sound serious, scarlet fever can be effectively overcome through the means of an appropriate medical treatment with antibiotics. However, in some cases strep throat can lead to serious complications such as kidney problems, heart affections and rheumatic fever, which are very difficult to treat. In order to prevent the occurrence of such complications, doctors commonly prescribe antibiotics in the treatment of strep throat.

While antibiotics are effective in preventing the occurrence of various diseases associated with strep throat, these commonly prescribed drugs can’t always completely overcome infection with streptococcus bacteria. This type of bacteria has become very resistant to common antibiotics and nowadays doctors experience difficulties in prescribing an effective treatment for strep throat. In present, more and more patients who follow medical treatments with antibiotics suffer a relapse of the infection and due to this fact, doctors are looking for more effective ways of overcoming strep throat.

Due to their decreased efficiency in curing strep throat, antibiotics have lately been replaced by other forms of treatment. Homeopathic treatments have proved to be one of the best alternatives to antibiotics in overcoming infection with streptococcus bacteria, and they are nowadays recommended to most people who suffer from strep throat. Homeopathic treatments have fewer side-effects and they minimize the chances of relapse.

Belladonna is one of the most common medicines prescribed in homeopathic treatments for strep throat. Prescribed in the incipient stages of the illness, belladonna can rapidly alleviate throat inflammation and pain, it can decongest the airways and it can also ameliorate fever. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Mercurius is also a very effective medicine for strep throat. Mercurius provides a rapid relief for throat inflammation and pain, and it can also fight against bacteria. Another effective medicine in the homeopathic treatment of strep throat is Phytolacca. This medicine can quickly alleviate throat swelling, pain and cough and it is usually prescribed to very young children. In order to speed up the process of recovery from illness, homeopathic treatments for strep throat can also include Echinacea and multivitamin supplements.

Combined with proper rest and a good diet, homeopathic treatments can effectively overcome strep throat, also minimizing the risk of relapse. Homeopathic treatments are very well tolerated by the organism and they are a lot safer than antibiotics. Prescribed for uncomplicated forms of strep throat, homeopathic treatments are a reliable alternative to antibiotics.