Firs let's understand what is Swine Flu, What causes swine flue and how it is spread to Human's.
SWINE FLU Prevention and Protection:
What is Swine Flu? (Swine Influenza A [H1N1 and H3N2v] Virus)
Swine flu (swine influenza) is a respiratory disease caused by viruses (influenza viruses) that infect the respiratory tract of pigs, resulting in nasal secretions, a barking cough, decreased appetite, and listless behavior. Swine flu produces most of the same symptoms in pigs as human flu produces in people.
Swine flu can last about one to two weeks in pigs that survive. Swine influenza virus was first isolated from pigs in 1930 in the U.S. and has been recognized by pork producers and veterinarians to cause infections in pigs worldwide. In a number of instances, people have developed the swine flu infection when they are closely associated with pigs (for example, farmers, pork processors), and likewise, pig populations have occasionally been infected with the human flu infection. In most instances, the cross-species infections (swine virus to man; human flu virus to pigs) have remained in local areas and have not caused national or worldwide infections in either pigs or humans. Unfortunately, this cross-species situation with influenza viruses has had the potential to change. Investigators decided the 2009 so-called "swine flu" strain, first seen in Mexico, should be termed novel H1N1 flu since it was mainly found infecting people and exhibits two main surface antigens, H1 (hemagglutinin type 1) and N1 (neuraminidase type1). The eight RNA strands from novel H1N1 flu have one strand derived from human flu strains, two from avian (bird) strains, and five from swine strains.
What Causes Swine Flu?
The cause of the 2009 swine flu was an influenza A virus type designated as H1N1. In 2011, a new swine flu virus was detected. The new strain was named influenza A (H3N2)v. Only a few people (mainly children) were first infected, but officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported increased numbers of people infected in the 2012-2013 flu season. Currently, there are not large numbers of people infected with H3N2v. Unfortunately, another virus termed H3N2 (note no "v" in its name) has been detected and caused flu, but this strain is different from H3N2v. In general, all of the influenza A viruses have a structure similar to the H1N1 virus; each type has a somewhat different H and/or N structure.
How Swine Flue spreads to Human's?
Swine flu is transmitted from person to person by inhalation or ingestion of droplets containing virus from people sneezing or coughing; it is not transmitted by eating cooked pork products. The newest swine flu virus that has caused swine flu is influenza A H3N2v (commonly termed H3N2v) that began as an outbreak in 2011. The "v" in the name means the virus is a variant that normally infects only pigs but has begun to infect humans. There have been small outbreaks of H1N1 since the pandemic; a recent one is in India where at least three people have died.
How can we Prevent from Swine Flu (A Simple Advice from Doctors Note)
(Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensive Care and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading the Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).
Preventing Swine Flu: The only portals of entry are the nostrils, ears and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock up on N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all20temptations to touch any part of face or put your fingers in your mouth.
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you prefer it to salt water). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your ears out with drops of hydrogen peroxide; clean nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (Neti Pot is a very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), although it is easy to do once you get used to it...but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population. (Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at the drug store, or online, and are relatively inexpensiveŠ.under $15.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc, or you can take extra zinc, to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids, such as tea, as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. It washes off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) view upon spreading of Epidemics:
Muslims who obey the blessed Prophet, would be expected to set the example for others by remaining in the stricken area. They would also be expected to care for those affected by the epidemic (rather than scorn and ostracize them) knowing that by taking care of the stricken they may have the good fortune to die as martyrs. It is in this context that we can understand the Prophet’s declaration that epidemics were “punishment sent by Allah on whom He wished, and Allah made it a source of mercy for the believers, for if one in the time of an epidemic stays in his place patiently hoping for Allah's Reward and believing that nothing will befall him except what Allah has written for him, (and he dies) he will get the reward of a martyr" (Sahīh Bukhāri).
The Prophet declared, as only a true Prophet could declare, that “death from epidemic is martyrdom for every Muslim” (Sahīh Bukhāri)
It was in consequence of that assurance of martyrdom for those who have faith in Allah Most High, that the Prophet could give an order that would today evoke the envy of governments: "If you hear of an epidemic outbreak in a land, do not enter it; but if it breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place"(Sahīh Bukhāri). It should be clear that obedience of the Prophet’s command would effectively quarantine the epidemic and eventually contain it and prevent its spread to other places.
The Prophet also prophesied the occurrence of epidemics as a Sign of the Last Day:
"Count six signs that indicate the approach of the Hour: my death, the conquest of Jerusalem, an epidemic that will afflict you (and cause you to die in great numbers) as the plague that afflicts sheep, the increase of wealth to such an extent that even if one is given one hundred Dinārs, he will not be satisfied; then an affliction which no Arab house will escape . . .” (Sahīh Bukhāri).
What Quran says about Epidemics, How we can Prevent from them:
The Quran is the word of God and it has many miraculous attributes proving this fact. These facts could not have been known at the time of the Quran's revelation, and this is still more proof that the Qur'an is the word of God. Moreover , All those things that are forbidden in Islam are banned because of their harms to the human body .
Forbidden of Swine/Pork Meat in Quran:
The Holy Quran has mentioned the forbiddance of the swine meat in four verses:
1-Allah (SWT) says what means in the Holy Qu'ran : {He has forbidden you only the Maitah(dead animals ), and blood and the meat of swine and that, which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols on which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Truly, Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful} Al-Baqarah 173
2-And Allah (SWT) says what means in the Holy Quran : {Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maitah (the dead animals – cattle-beast not slaughtered). Blood, the meat of swine, and that on which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering (that which has been slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah, or has been slaughtered for idols) and that which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a heading fall, or by the goring of horn- and that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal- unless you are able to slaughter it (before its death)- and that which is sacrificed (slaughtered) on An-Nusub (stone- altars)(Forbidden) also is to use arrows seeking luck or decision : (all) that is Fisqun( disobedience of Allah and sin).This day, those who disbelieved have given up all hope of Your religion: so fear them not, but fear Me. This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin (such can eat these above mentioned meats), then surely, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful} Al-Ma’idah: 3
3-And Allah (SWT ) says what means in the Holy Quran {Say (Oh Mohammed -PBUH -) “ I found not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be Maitah (a dead animal) or blood poured forth (by slaughtering or the like), or the meat of swine (pork); for that, is impure or impious (unlawful) meat (of an animal) which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols, or in which Allah’s Name has not being mentioned while (slaughtering).But Whosoever is forced by necessity without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits;( for him) certainly, your lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful } Al-An’ am 145
4- Also Allah (SWT) says what means in the Holy Quran {He has forbidden you only Al-Maitah (meat of dead animal), blood, the meat of swine, and any animal which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols or on which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity, without willful disobedience, and not transgressing, then, Allah is Oft- forgiving, most Merciful} An-Nahl 115
The viral and germinal disease (The swine Flu). This disease spreads in form of epidemic that affects millions of people. The serious effects of this disease is the brain infection, heart hypertrophy (enlargement) .The world witnessed the last hit of this disease in 1918 where more than 20 people had suffered from it.
"Islamic prescription to avoid swine flu:
Doctors today are amazed to discover in the teachings of Islam, more than 1400 years ago, the presence of many Islamic/prophetic preventative health measures which will enable us to avoid almost all swine flu infections. these Islamic health measures are:
• Islam has prohibited not only the eating of pork, but selling it and any kind of business with pigs; all Muslims in their life cannot work with pigs in any shape or form or get close to them; no pigs are allowed in Muslim farms, slaughterhouses, halal butcher shops, restaurants, imports/exports etc. The pig is considered najiss in Islam, very unclean, unhygienic and most filthy of all animals and harmful to health. This great Islamic health measure, on its own, will avert from Muslims almost all infections by swine flu and many other infections and diseases coming from the consumption of pork (about 80).
• Any practicing Muslim will wash his/her hands automatically and frequently over 30 times during the day: three times we wash our hands before each of the five daily prayers when doing ablution, in all 15 times of hand washing.
• Also we are ordered by the final prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to wash our hands after waking up, after going to the toilet, before eating, after eating, when genitals or a dead body are touched. Also to wash six times when one is touched by a dog, the 7th by sand; plus the repeated hand washing when one is ordered to have many showers during the week.
• During ablution and before each of the five daily prayers, every Muslim should wash and blow his/her nose three times. The mouth is to be washed three times too. Most people get swine flu infection through the nose and mouth.
• When sneezing, every Muslim is ordered to cover his/her nose/mouth by his/her hands, or with added tissues and to control and reduce the intensity of the sneeze, thus avoiding the spread of the infective viruses. It is recommended to wash the hands after sneezing.
• Islam opposes the greeting of any friend or relative by kissing the cheek/face etc. Handshakes and hugging are the recommended way of greeting in Islam.
• When an area has become infected or infectious, the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has prohibited us from leaving the area or to enter an infected area. Also he said, " No one with an infectious illness should come close to a healthy person".
• We are ordered by the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to find the right treatment or cure for any illness/infection one can have, thus quickly reducing the spread of any infectious disease to the community society.
• We are advised by the prophet peace be upon him too to take the Black seed (which has been found to strengthen the immune system) and to consume honey frequently, found today as a treatment//cure for a lot of diseases.
• Breastfeeding provides a lot of antibodies against many viral infections and diseases. Breast is best for both child and mother. We can offer some natural protection to our children through continuous breastfeeding at times of epidemics or plagues.
• A special prayer ( du'aa ) is said to avoid being afflicted by any disease or illness especially at the time of epidemics or pandemics or when the disease is spreading.
Amazingly many of these prophetic health measures are being called for today by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Department of Health in order to avoid the swine flu infection!
Islamic Supplication for Protection and Cure from all Illness:
The same prayer applies for Muslims and Non-Muslims; Allah will inshallah (God willing) cure/protect them from illnesses including swine flu.
The procedure below should be followed precisely and then one should blow on a glass of water and drink it or blow on a tablespoon of honey and lick it .
(A) Recite three times any Durud Sharif (Salutation) upon Prophet Muhammad, example below:
Translation: O Allah, bestow your blessings upon the unlettered Prophet and upon his family; and bestow your Mercy upon him and his family
Transliteration: Allahumma Salle 'Alaa Muhammadinin Nabiyyil Ummiyyi wa-'Alaa Aalehi wa-sallim Tasleeyma.
(B) Recite three times Surah Al-FatiHah of the Quran:
Translation:
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the universe.
Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Master of the Day of Judgment.
You alone we worship; You alone we ask for help.
Guide us in the right path;
the path of those whom you blessed, not of those who have deserved your wrath nor those who have gone astray (Ameen)
Transliteration:
Bismillah-Ir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
Al-Hamdu-lillaahi Rabbil-`alameen
Ar-RaHmaanir-RaHeemMaliki yowmid-deen
Iyyaka na`budu wa 'iyyaaka nasta`iyn
Ihdinas-siraatal-mustaqeem
Siraatalladheena 'an `amta `alayhim
Ghuyril-maghdubi `alayhim wa lad-dwaalleen (Ameen)
(C) Recite 131 times the following:
Translation: O Giver of Peace!
Transliteration: Yaa Salaamu
(D) Recite 3 times the following:
Translation: O Allah, I seek your refuge from insanity, mutilation, leprosy and from all serious illnesses.
Transliteration: Allahumma Inni Aa-oothu-bika minal jonoo-ni wal-juthami wal-barasi wassayi-il-asqaam.
(E) Recite 78 times the following:
Translation: O The One who encompasses everything!
Transliteration: Yaa MuHeetu
(F) Repeat three times any Durud Sharif (Salutation) upon Prophet Muhammad, example below:
Translation: O Allah, bestow your blessings upon the unlettered Prophet and upon his family; and bestow your Mercy upon him and his family
Transliteration: Allahumma Salle 'Alaa Muhammadinin Nabiyyil Ummiyyi wa-'Alaa Aalehi wa-sallim Tasleeyma.
The above procedure should be followed precisely and then one should blow on a glass of water and drink it or blow on a tablespoon of honey and lick it.
Conclusion:
From the above article it is clear that with clear understanding of religion we can help in control of further spreading of epidemics in the region and also we can end the epidemics from it roots like an example of swine flu.
"In shaa Allah, Allah will cure and protect you from the deadly epidemics- Ameen."
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