Close on the heels of the bird flu virus yet another virus has appeared on the scene. The MERS ( Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) virus, which was first identified in the Middle East early 2012, has now claimed more than 40 lives, mainly in the area  in which it originated. It is a coronavirus, closely related to the SARS virus which spread across parts of China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Ontario about 10 years ago.

In spite of ongoing worldwide research viruses are still poorly understood. While it is believed that they cause diseases, the way in which they can achieve this is not is not known, as they do not fall into the category of animal or plant. They can affect any organ or system of the body and specific types have been identified in the case of different kinds of infectious disorders, such as the common cold, flu, gastroenteritis, chickenpox and herpes, though most common infections involving coronaviruses affect the respiratory tract. Having no life of their own they are totally dependent upon the host cells in order to reproduce. Treatment of conditions is generally confined to the control of symptoms. Drugs, for example antibiotics, are powerless against them and in fact tend to weaken the immune system still further.

It is clear that viruses have evolved to survive in a variety of conditions. They are common in areas where the climate is very hot or humid but others have adapted to the cold. Recent research has shown that when they are exposed to a constant temperature viruses evolve to become ‘specialists’ for that temperature and that they have problems adapting to random climatic fluctuations. Cultural factors also figure strongly in their choice of habitat.

As with bacteria, Ayurveda does not see viruses as a primary cause of disease. If this were the case every person would be equally susceptible to the illnesses with which they are associated. With every disease the best possible protection is a strong immune system. This is highly dependent upon a good acid-alkali balance, which can only be attained through a diet and a lifestyle tailored to suit the individual body constitution. Through strengthening the digestive system and clearing the body of toxins optimum immunity can be achieved. Ayurveda also has some effective ways of making the body internal environment unfriendly to coronaviruses, such as the use of aromatic herbs which diffuse their aromas through the olfactory channels.

Research continues to try to find a way of destroying viruses, but they continue to surround us. The Ayurvedic view is that with a healthy immune system our bodies can do what they were designed to do naturally.