Influenza Symptoms and Causes

Influenza 

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute viral respiratory infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes seasonal and zoonotic influenza as major communicable diseases of global public health importance.

In Ayurveda, influenza is understood under the broader concept of Jwara (fever), particularly resembling Vata-Kaphaja Jwara or, in severe cases, Sannipata Jwara. Charaka Samhita describes fever as the “king of diseases,” often being the first disorder to afflict the body.

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1. Definition

In Ayurveda, influenza is categorized primarily as a type of Jwara (Fever). Specifically, it correlates with Vata-Shleshmika Jwara, a dual-dosha condition characterized by stiffness, joint pain, sleepiness, headache, and coryza (Pratishyaya). It may also be associated with Pratishyaya, which is described as a condition where the wind (Vata) drives phlegm and fluids out through the nose, often serving as a prodromal (preliminary) stage to fever.

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2. Etymology & Conceptual Meaning

• Literal Meaning: Jwara (ज्वर) means "that which torments the body and mind". Vata-Shleshmika refers to the combination of the Air element (Vata) and the Water/Earth element (Shleshma/Kapha).

• Conceptual Interpretation: Fever is the "king of diseases," often originating from the stomach (Amashaya) due to indigestion. In influenza, the cold and mobile qualities of Vata combine with the heavy and slimy qualities of Kapha. This blocks the channels (Srotas) of the body, trapping heat inside and causing aches and congestion.

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3. Causes (Nidana)

Dietary Causes

• Mithya Ahara: Consumption of unwholesome or incompatible food combinations interferes with digestion, leading to Ama formation.

• Heavy Foods: Excessive intake of sweet, cold, and heavy foods aggravates Kapha, while dry or cold foods aggravate Vata.

Lifestyle Causes

• Exposure: Cold wind, dew, or seasonal changes (spring/autumn) aggravates Vata and Kapha.

• Suppression of Urges: Suppressing sneezing or coughing leads to respiratory disorders.

Environmental/Epidemic Factors

• Janapadodhvamsa: Epidemics caused by the vitiation of Air (Vayu), Water (Jala), Place (Desha), and Time (Kala). Polluted air and seasonal changes drive influenza outbreaks.

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4. Journey of the Disease (Pathogenesis/Samprapti)

• Dosha: Vata and Kapha simultaneously aggravated.

• Agni (Digestive Fire): Impaired (Mandagni) leads to poor digestion.

• Ama (Toxin): Undigested metabolic waste circulates in the body.

• Srotas (Channels): Rasavaha Srotas (plasma channels) and Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory channels) become obstructed.

• Process: Vitiated doshas mixed with Ama enter the stomach (Amashaya), block the pathways of Rasa and sweat (Sweda), displacing internal fire, resulting in fever and breath obstruction.

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5. Symptoms (Lakshana)

Early Symptoms (Prodromal)

• Lassitude and fatigue (Glani).

• Heaviness (Gaurava).

• Loss of appetite (Aruchi).

• Yawning and body aches.

Advanced Symptoms (Vata-Shleshmika Jwara)

• Staimitya: Feeling of stiffness.

• Shirograha: Headache.

• Parvana Bheda: Joint pain.

• Pratishyaya: Runny nose.

• Kasa: Cough.

• Sweda-apravartana: Absence of sweating.

• Santapa: Moderate fever.

• Nidra: Excessive sleepiness.

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6. Different Types or Classification (Bheda)

• Navajwara: Acute fever with Ama.

• Vata-Shleshmika Jwara: Most common, with body pain (Vata) and congestion (Kapha).

• Sannipataja Jwara: Severe, all three doshas vitiated; delirium may occur.

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7. Diagnosis

Ayurvedic Diagnosis (Roga–Rogi Pariksha)

• Observation (Darshana): Signs of Kapha: mucus, heaviness, lethargy.

• Questioning (Prashna): Onset of chills, stiffness, digestion.

• Pulse (Nadi): Indicates Ama and dosha imbalance.

• Differentiation: Distinguished from common cold (Pratishyaya) by fever (Santapa) and joint pain (Parvana Bheda).

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8. Disease Management

Diet (Ahara)

• Fasting (Langhana): Principal treatment for acute fever (Navajwara).

• Warm Water: Aids digestion and cleanses channels.

• Gruels (Yavagu): Light, medicated rice gruels with ginger and coriander.

• Avoid: Heavy, cold, sweet, oily foods.

Lifestyle (Vihara)

• Rest: Essential.

• Avoid: Day sleep, cold drafts, physical exertion.

Medicines

• Dashamula Kwatha: Decoction of ten roots for cough (Kasa) and mucus.

• Mustadi Kwatha: Contains Musta, Parpataka, and dry ginger for Vata-Kapha fever.

• Ginger & Coriander: Medicated water (Shadanga Paniya) or ginger tea.

• Trikatu: Powder of ginger, black pepper, long pepper for Ama and congestion.

Panchakarma

• Swedana (Fomentation): Valuka Sweda for stiffness and sweating.

• Contraindications: Vamana & Virechana contraindicated in acute fever (Navajwara).

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9. Prognosis

• Curable: Prompt treatment of Vata-Shleshmika Jwara with fasting and diet.

• Factors: Strong digestion (Agni) improves prognosis.

• Complications: If neglected, may progress to Sannipataja Jwara, delirium, chronic respiratory issues (Shwasa / Asthma).

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10. Modern Correlations

• Similarities: Symptoms of Vata-Shleshmika Jwara mirror Influenza; Janapadodhvamsa parallels epidemics and airborne spread.

• Differences: Modern medicine identifies the Influenza virus; Ayurveda focuses on metabolic imbalance (Agni/Ama) and environmental factors.

• Limitations: Effective for symptom relief; severe complications like pneumonia require modern intervention.

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11. References

1. Sharma P. Understanding of Swine Flu Through Ayurveda — Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine. UNDERSTANDING OF SWINE FLU THROUGH AYURVEDA (Parul Sharma, JAHM)
2. “Plants used in Ayurveda for Jwara or fever: A review of their antiviral studies” — PubMed Central review. Ayurvedic medicinal plants antiviral review (PMC)
3. “AYUSH‑64 in Influenza‑Like Illness — Pilot study results” — PubMed. AYUSH‑64 pilot study in ILI (PubMed)
4. “WHO updates influenza care guidelines” — World Health Organization news release. WHO influenza care guideline & global burden update
5. “Plant extracts as antiviral agents against influenza A virus” — Journal of Applied Microbiology. Plant extracts anti‑IAV research (J Appl Microbiol)

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12. FAQ Section

Q: Should I eat to keep my strength up when I have the flu?

A: No. Ayurveda recommends Langhana (fasting) during the initial stage of fever (Navajwara). Eating heavy food feeds the fever and toxins (Ama). You should only consume light, warm liquids like rice gruel or hot water until hunger naturally returns.

Q: Is steam inhalation helpful?

A: Yes. Ayurveda suggests Swedana (sweating/fomentation) to relieve the stiffness and congestion associated with Vata-Kapha fever. Heated sand fomentation (Valuka Sweda) is specifically mentioned for this condition.

Q: Can I take a cold shower to lower the fever?

A: Generally, no. In Vata-Shleshmika fever (flu), the patient often feels cold and stiff. Warmth is required to liquefy the Kapha and pacify Vata. Cold can aggravate the stiffness and pain.

Q: What is the best drink for the flu?

A: Hot water boiled with dry ginger (Sunthi) or a mixture of musta and parpataka. This aids digestion and helps break the fever