Swine Flu treatment options

The flu pandemic of 1918 killed an estimated 20 to 40 million people worldwide, more than were killed by World War I. According to statistics on Stanford University's Human Virology Department website, more people died of the flu in one year during that epidemic than during four years of the Bubonic Plague in the 1300s. However, let's also remember: the 1918 "Spanish Flu" epidemic took place a full ten years before one of the most significant scientific advances of the 20^th century, bacteriologist Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin.

Since then, modern medicine has made great strides in terms of hygiene and the prevention and treatment of both bacterial (strep throat, tuberculosis) and viral (influenza, HIV) infections. Diagnoses that once meant near-certain death have been transformed into chronic conditions and curable illnesses.  The disease caused by the influenza virus can have serious consequences and should be treated as such-according to the WHO, each year three to five million people around the world get the flu, and between 250,000 and 500,000 of them die, mostly children, the elderly or people who are otherwise sick or have limited access to care. But for most of us, catching the flu has meant a painful week or so of headaches, dizziness, coughing and diarrhea, and thanks to modern medicine, an eventual full recovery.

What are the general treatment options for the flu? And what are the specific treatments recommended for the H1N1 flu?

Direct treatment of the H1N1 virus

Like all viruses, the H1N1 virus is a strong competitor in the race between better antiviral  drugs on the one hand, and constantly evolving bugs on the other. The bad news: the H1N1 strain is resistant to commonly used flu treatments such as amantadine (brand names Symadine and Symmetrel) and rimantadine (brand name Flumadine). The good news:  the virus is susceptible to both oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu, taken orally) and zanamivir (brand name Relenza, an inhalant). Hospitals and public health systems around the world have been stocking up on Tamiflu in particular, to have on hand to treat citizens who might fall ill with the disease.

Taking Tamiflu soon after the onset of swine flu symptoms stops the virus from reproducing in the patient's body, and gives their immune system a chance to kill the virus and thus recover. The CDC is recommending the treatment for all confirmed, probable and suspected cases.

Tamiflu has also been prescribed to prevent the illness for people who have direct or sustained exposure to the virus (for example, family members taking care of someone sick with the virus). Swiss drugmaker Roche says it can deliver stocks of Tamiflu to any location in the world within 24 hours if called upon by the WHO.

It is important to note, however, that a course of Tamiflu is NOT recommended for otherwise healthy people who have not been diagnosed, or who have no symptoms. Widespread and reckless use of antiviral and antibiotic medications is one of the driving factors behind the appearance of drug-resistant strains of diseases. Do not buy or take Tamiflu or other prescription anti-flu medications without a doctor's recommendation.

Treatment of flu-related symptoms and complications

The flu virus weakens the immune system and can make the body susceptible to other infections, such as bacterial pneumonia. In fact, the most threatening aspect of a flu case might not be the virus itself, but the dangerous conditions that accompany it. Flu patients with bacterial infections may be given antibiotics. The lungs are particularly hard hit by the H1N1 virus, and oxygen or a ventilator might be a possible course of treatment for severe conditions.

Doctors may prescribe medication for milder symptoms such as fever, headache and nausea. However, aspirin is NOT recommended for children or teenagers with the flu, as it may result in a condition called Reyes syndrome.

Swine flu vaccine

Vaccination against previous flu viruses do not offer you protection from the H1N1 virus. Currently there is no vaccine for the H1N1 virus. Experts say that production of an effective virus may take months.

Natural and nutritional treatment

The internet has a cure for every illness, and the flu is no exception. A Google search for "swine flu" and "natural treatment" turns up everything from colloidal silver to oregano oil. Echinacea is a popular supplement said to stimulate the immune system though comprehensive clinical research is still thin. Letting discretion be the better part of valor, however, the tried and true (vitamin C, garlic, cayenne pepper, fish, berries) might be the best "supplements" for getting healthy and staying healthy.

An epidemic in evolution

The H1N1 virus is new, and the world health community is scrambling to understand more about how it spreads, how the disease progresses and what the most effective treatment options are.  The CDC, the WHO, Mexico's Secretary of Health and the public health bodies of virtually every country in the world are posting regular updates on their websites.  Recommendations may change over time, so please consult these experts and your doctors before pursuing any treatment course for the H1N1 virus or other illness.