The Symptoms of Bird Flu (H5N1) and Using Essential Oils to Prepare Yourself.

By JC Shannon

About every 30 years an unknown strain of flu rips through the world causing death and panic everywhere it goes. Since the last flu pandemic happened in 1968, it is time for another one. Bird Flu, or H5N1, is a fairly nasty virus affecting Asia right now, and as of 10/15/05, has spread to Romania. So far it is not being spread human to human but I'm sorry to say, it is extremely likely the virus will mutate into a form that can spread human to human. All it will take is for someone who already has a human strain of flu to catch Bird Flu. Then the two viruses would very likely mix and mutate into a new human strain of the Bird Flu virus. So far, there is no cure for the Bird Flu though Tamiflu and Relenza are two drugs on the market that help.

Right now, how the virus is caught is by handling infected poultry and from surfaces contaminated by poultry feces, like on eggshells. Because the virus is killed when the meat is thoroughly cooked, eating infected poultry does not spread Bird Flu.

The symptoms of Bird Flu (H5N1) are very similar to regular flu symptoms. They are fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches, as well as, eye infections, pneumonia and severe respiratory illness. Anti-viral drugs taken immediately after symptoms appear help make the illness less severe. If you have any of these symptoms and have possibly been exposed to the Bird Flu virus, a simple blood test administered by your doctor will let you know immediately whether you have it or not.

As with any nasty virus, young children and the elderly are the most at risk. Paying attention to the outbreak of any symptoms of Bird Flu is helpful in combating the effects.

Okay, now that you are starting to panic, here are a few simple things you can do to arm yourself. First of all, don't panic! If you waste time with panic, you will defeat your immune system before it has a chance to gear itself up.

Second, exercise proper hygiene. Always wash your hands after handling raw meat and always before eating. When washing hands, make sure you scrub between the fingers and under the nails. If you scrub your hands for 20 seconds, or the length of time it takes to sing the alphabet song, you will have cleaned off all of the germs that will cause you problems.

Third, keep your home clean. Regular cleaning of bathrooms and kitchens does a lot to eliminate germs in a home. (For information on using essential oils in cleaning, please refer to my article titled "Cleaning House With Pure Essential Oils.")

Fourth, get enough sleep and exercise. Both of these will give your body, and more particularly, your immune system the reserves of strength to fight off disease.

Fifth, try to eliminate as much needless stress as you can. Once again, too much stress eats away at your immune system making you vulnerable to disease.

Sixth, use in your home and your environment the essential oils you need to make all of the previous five things possible. Remember, nearly all essential oils will help boost your immune system. There are some, like Frankincense and Tea Tree that are particularly good for clearing the air in a sick room. Using those in cold mist humidifier, simmer pot or a room spray will do wonders for the quality of air in your home.

The following essential oils have long been recognized for their antiseptic, expectorant, decongestant and disinfectant properties: Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Thyme and Hyssop. (For some blends of these please refer to my article titled "Using Essential Oils to Prepare for Cold and Flu Season.")

Remember that the best method of bringing the essential oils into your body is through the olfactory sense. When the scent is brought into the lungs, it is absorbed very quickly into the blood stream bringing benefits to the whole body.

The bottoms of your feet are also another way to bring the oils into your body. Add a few drops of any of the previously named essential oils to a teaspoon of FCO, Fractionated Coconut Oil, and rub into the bottom of each foot.

While it is impossible at this time for essential oils to cure you of any flu, not to mention Bird Flu (H5N1), using oils properly can help your immune system in countless ways as you battle the germs that always show up this time of year. Here at Rocky Mountain Oils we provide not only the information you need but also the high quality, 100% therapeutic grade essential oils you need to help protect your family and yourself from the symptoms of Bird Flu (H5N1) and other germs threatening our world today.

(This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not approved by the FDA nor is it provided in order to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, illness or injured condition of the body. Rocky Mountain Oils assumes no responsibility for such use. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness or injury should consult with a physician or health care provider.)