Unani Perspective regarding Swine Flu (Nazla Wabai)
Introduction
As per Unani medicine flu like symptoms are mentioned as Humma-e- Khinzeeri or Anaf-ul- Anza which comes under Nazla Wabai. As the name suggests it is associated with pigs. Influenza viruses usually infect the respiratory tract of pigs. These viruses have the capacity to transmit in humans. In humans, they cause symptoms such as cough, nasal secretions, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, head ache, may be diarrhoea and body aches.
It attacks the respiratory system, blocks the air passage channels. It is a type of hot cough and catarrh. Sometimes it is epidemic. In the beginning patient feels body ache, itching in the throat and nose, sneezing and fever. The peculiar feature of the disease is that patient becomes weak in a very short duration.
Swine flu is transmitted from person to person by inhalation or ingestion of droplets from people during sneezing or coughing. It is not transmitted by eating cooked pork products.
As this is a kind of cross-species infections (swine virus to man; human flu virus to pigs) it can be easily transmitted. It is therefore important to take precautions to avoid infection.
Those who are at high risk are children from 6 months up to four years of age, people who are of 50 years or above, adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurological, hematologic, or metabolic disorders, people with poor immunity, pregnant women, residents of hospitals and nursing homes or health-care professionals, people who are diabetics or obese and caregivers in general.
Diagnosis of swine flu
Swine flu is diagnosed clinically by the patient's history of association with people known to have the disease and their signs and symptoms specifically listed above. Specific confirmatory test is available for the diagnosis of H1N1 Virus.
Complications of Swine Flu
In few cases patients may develop severe respiratory symptoms hence need respiratory support such as use of ventilators. If the viral infection persists patients may also get secondary infection in the form of pneumonia or SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). Some patients may develop seizures. In severe cases a few patients may die on account of secondary bacterial infections of the lungs.
Preventive Measures
As per Unani philosophy “Prevention is better than cure”. The disease can be prevented by maintaining good hygienic practices. The following tips are helpful.
Management
Unani physicians have been treating nazla wabai (swine flu) successfully from very ancient times. Unani drugs are highly popular in the treatment as these drugs are easily available anywhere, cost effective and have least side effects on the body.
As per Unani philosophy the basic principles followed for the management of the disease are:
Fundamentals of Management
Drug Therapy
OR
In case of excessive diarrhoea and if patient feels lethargy
Make fine powder of Zahar mohra 1 gm, Tabasheer 1 gm, mix well with khamira khahkhash 10 gms and use alongwith preparation mentioned at serial number 2.
Dietary Recommendations
As per recommendations of Unani physicians, easily digestible, light and soft diets are advised. Instead of water use lukewarm Arq-e- gao zuban. If the latter is not available use lukewarm water.
Precautions
Avoid cold weather, use of cold water, bathing with cold water, ice or any cold substances. Avoid daytime sleep after meal, meat and any bitter substance, thick and viscous diets, excessive exposure to sun, excessive coitus, mental exertion and inhalation of aromatic drugs or aromas. Avoid crowded areas as the chances of getting infection are common in such areas.
Note: Drugs Should be taken under the advice of the qualified Unani physician. The patients are required to follow strict Unani regimen for optimum results.