Bird flu in India: Natural and Ayurvedic tips to keep yourself safe from avian influenza

Bird flu is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well. Read to know how to keep yourself safe.

By: Satata Karmakar | | Updated: January 19, 2021 11:09 pm

Bird flu outbreak: Natural and Ayurvedic tips to keep avian influenza at bay

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, India is apparently hit by another disease outbreak. In the last few days, avian influenza or bird flu cases have been detected in many parts of the country. Also Read - Avian influenza: Fresh bird flu case reported in Delhi

Bird flu, also called avian influenza, has come as a double whammy for states that are already fighting their biggest battle against Covid-19. Again the sign and symptoms are related to the respiratory system only along with fever. Since there is not much clarity about its complications and other issues that patients can face, there is no one way to deal with this situation. Also Read - Bird flu confirmed in Delhi, Maharashtra: Is it safe to consume eggs and chicken? Here’s what experts say

What Exactly Is Bird Flu Or An Avian Flu?

Bird flu is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well. Also Read - Avian Influenza: Cooking poultry at or above 70 degrees may kill the bird flu virus

Technically, H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. It’s deadly to most birds. And it’s deadly to humans and to other mammals that catch the virus from birds. Since the first human case in 1997, H5N1 has killed nearly 60% of the people who have been infected.

Here’s How Bird Flu Virus Enters Your Body

Like the coronavirus, the bird flu virus can also be fatal. These viruses can also kill humans like birds. In humans, the virus of the Bird Flu enters the eye, nose, and mouth. Therefore, your best effort should be not to be infected with this virus.

Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Bird Flu You Should Look For

Bird flu symptoms in humans can vary and range from “typical” flu symptoms (fever, sore throat, muscle pain) to eye infections and pneumonia. The disease caused by the H5N1 virus is a particularly severe form of pneumonia that leads to viral pneumonia and multiorgan failure in many people who become infected.

You may have an H5N1 infection if you experience typical flu-like symptoms such as – cough, diarrhea, respiratory difficulties, fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C), headache, muscle aches, malaise, runny nose, and sore throat.

What Does Ayurveda Suggests In Keeping Bird Flu Under Check?

As per the available data and as a general rule of Ayurveda strength of diseases can be reduced by only good immunity. So, the best way to protect yourself from any kind of disease is to boost your immunity and follow a healthy lifestyle that can go beyond opting for good eating habits. Daily routine, waking up early morning, and sleeping on time is also part of a healthy lifestyle.

With work-from-home in place, people nowadays tend to work overnight resulting in a disturbed sleep cycle. Such lifestyles affect our immunity and various ‘doshas’ of the body, says Dr. Pooja Kohli.

Keep A Check On What You Are Eating To Keep Bird Flu At Bay

So, first of all, we all need to follow a healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy meal on time, sound sleep, daily exercise, and meditation, offering food for our mind as well as the soul.

To keep your immune system in shape and strengthen your body’s fighting mechanism try to follow these simple yet impactful tips:

#Give That Extra Herbs’ Touch

You can add a few herbs like Ginger, garlic, turmeric to your daily diet to avoid bird flu kind of infections. These herbs give strength to the body for fighting back and also protect our body from getting infected.

#Nasya To Keep Your Respiratory System In Shape

Every morning putting two to four drops of Anu tail in each nostril will give strength to the respiratory system, this therapy is known as Nasya. This also helps in flushing out pollutants or foreign bodies from the nasal cavity and prevents them from crossing the nasal pathway.

#Remove Toxins With Oil Pulling Therapy, Gargling, And Steam Inhalation

One of the other important therapy is oil pulling therapy, it can be done by holding lukewarm oil in the mouth for a few seconds followed by gargling with lukewarm water with a pinch of salt and turmeric along with steam inhalation. Oil pulling therapy, gargling, and steam inhalation helps in removing toxins and boost the immunity of the person.

#Start Your Morning With One Spoon Of Chyawanprash

One more important add on in daily life is Chyawanprash. Every morning during breakfast taking one spoon of Chyawanprash helps in boosting immunity and strengthens the respiratory system.

#Golden Milk

Before sleeping, taking golden milk (Milk with sugar and pinch of turmeric) is one of the best remedies to get rid of symptoms like fever, cold and running nose, etc.

Can You Eat Eggs Or Chicken?

Yes, eggs can be eaten, however, these should be hard-boiled or well-cooked. According to the WHO, eating at a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Celsius does not cause virus infection.

Those who eat chicken should be careful as only well-cooked chicken should be eaten, eating half-cooked chicken can be dangerous. People who give food to pigeons should be careful too.

Also, maintain the following:

– Keep wearing facemasks

– Make sure to keep your surroundings clean.

– Washing hands are of utmost importance.

(With inputs from IANS)

Published : January 19, 2021 1:47 pm | Updated:January 19, 2021 11:09 pm

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