Is Star Anise Tea Better Than Tamiflu for Swine Flu Prevention?

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SUMMARY

Star Anise tea is identified as a more effective preventive measure against swine flu compared to Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), which is produced by Roche. The discussion highlights that while Tamiflu is widely used, it is synthesized from shikimic acid derived from Star Anise, which lacks antiviral properties. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of vaccination strategies to control swine flu contagion, suggesting that achieving a vaccination rate of at least 60% is crucial for preventing a pandemic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of antiviral medications, specifically Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate)
  • Knowledge of shikimic acid and its sources, particularly Star Anise
  • Familiarity with epidemiological concepts, including contagiousness and vaccination thresholds
  • Basic understanding of herbal remedies and their potential health benefits
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the antiviral properties of herbal remedies, focusing on Star Anise
  • Study the mechanisms of action of Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and its effectiveness against influenza
  • Explore vaccination strategies for controlling infectious diseases, particularly swine flu
  • Investigate the role of shikimic acid in antiviral drug synthesis and its implications for treatment
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for healthcare professionals, epidemiologists, herbal medicine practitioners, and anyone interested in alternative approaches to flu prevention and treatment.

drizzle
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Perhaps a more effective method would be to determine the contagiousness of swine flu and attempt to vaccinate enough people to bring the contagiousness to below 1. In order for a contagious disease to spread, on the average every sick person must infect more than one other person. For instance, if the contagiousness of swine flu is 2.5 (each infected person infects 2.5 others) then there could be no more than 1/2.5 or 40% unvaccinated people in the general population. Preventing a pandemic would mean vaccinating at least 60% of the population in time to be effective.
 
Incorrect, tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is synthesized from shikimic acid, which gets isolated from star anise. The compound shikimic acid does not have anti-viral qualities.