Winter is a time period that is conducive to the development of certain diseases like influenza. The latter, also called the “flu” is a viral disease caused by three viruses known as “Myxovirus influenzae” A, B and C. These can affect some animals (birds, pigs, etc..) as well as humans. Regarding the latter case, the condition is often seasonal and is easily spread through the air.
Starting with the respiratory system, influenza attacks the whole body and leads to the onset of various symptoms such as headaches and muscle pain that prevent the most febrile patients from conducting their daily activities.
However, the flu is easily treated and the disease normally lasts only 3-7 days. In addition, several pharmaceutical and homoeopathic products can treat influenza and influenza-like illnesses of which the symptoms are less intense than those of influenza. Furthermore, homoeopathic treatments are not only curative, but can also be preventive if the remedies are taken before the first signs of the disease.
After the influenza’s incubation period (24 to 48 hours), the first flu symptoms appear, starting with chills. Similarly, body aches, joint and muscle pain, headaches, sneezing, general fatigue and a more or less severe fever may occur.
Once the flu breaks out and spreads in the body, dry coughs and nasal discharge also appear in addition to the other symptoms. If coughing persists, chest pain may also occur. But other symptoms like cold sweats, watery eyes, diarrhoea (stomach flu), drowsiness or loss of appetite may also occur during the flu. Influenza-like illnesses have the same symptoms as influenza, except for the fact that they are milder in nature.
The best way to prevent influenza is to strengthen the body’s immune system. To do this, take different homoeopathic remedies throughout the entire winter period, such as “Echinacea”, of which the appropriate daily dosage for an adult is 200 drops. An intake of Oscillococcinum every two weeks, used in combination with a weekly dose of Influenzinum 9 CH during the first three months, followed by a monthly intake for the next three months, also proves to be effective.
Moreover, it is possible to establish a genuine program from September to February to prevent the flu and strengthen the body. To do this, alternate between a four-granule dose of three different products: take Yersin 7 CH every Saturday and Wednesday, Influenzinum 7 CH every Thursday and Monday and Avian 7CH every Tuesday and Friday. Indeed, when the immune system is strengthened, the body is immunized against influenza and its symptoms can therefore be significanly reduced.
It is possible to treat the flu and its symptoms with only one homoeopathic product. It is the case of Oscillococcinum, of which two daily doses are required (in the morning and evening), and whchi may however may be combined to Sulphur 15 CH or Yersin 9 CH serum. Similarly, an hourly intake of Parainfluenza from the onset of symptoms (first 24 hours), followed by an intake every two hours the next day, is also very effective. You can also take Homéogrippe (1 or 2 tablets to be consumed every hour) or Boripharm (four 4-granule intakes per day).
Some symptoms of influenza and influenza-like illnesses may persist after treatment, despite improvement in symptomatology. Moreover, after the flu, the patient is usually tired and risks of relapse are feared. To avoid this scenario, it is essential to take a weekly dose of Influenzinum 15 CH during the month following the influenza in order to strengthen the body.
A flu-like state is often characterized by a fever of varying intensity that can be treated by different homoeopathic remedies. Bryonia alba 9 CH can alleviate fever in persons suffering from influenza accompanied by increased thirst, sweating and dry cough. For those who suffer from severe headaches during influenza attacks, it is advisable to resort to Gelsemium 5 CH. As for the weaker patients, the recommended remedy is Ferrum phos 5 CH. Aconitum napellus and Belladonna are also effective in case of fever resulting from influenza. The first is recommended in case of sweat-deprived fever, while the second is well-suited for cases of abundant perspiration.
Aches and muscular pain are among the most bothersome symptoms of influenza. Fortunately, they can be alleviated and cured with homoeopathic remedies tailored to each specific case. For example, if the patient is depressed, has chills, severe headaches, numerous body aches and muscular pain, taking 5 granules of Gelsemium sempervirens 15 CH every two hours may improve the symptomatology. Remedies like Arnica montana 9 CH and Rhus toxicodendron 5 CH are also effective against severe aches.
In the event that the muscular pain is precisely localized, specific remedies are equally appropriate. For example if the patient has aches that are mainly localized in the back (in addition to fever, runny nose and chills) it is advisable to resort to Nux vomica 9 CH, of which a dose needs to be taken every two hours. If, on the other hand, the patient has bone pain (breaking) and feels the need to constantly change position in bed, Eupatorium perfoliatum 9 CH is the most effective remedy for dealing with this type of situation.
The flu is easily treated by homoeopathy. However, in some cases, it is essential to consult a doctor. Indeed, some complications may occur: shortness of breath even at rest (breathlessness), rising fever during three days (over 38.5 ° C) or chest pain. If any of these symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek medical attention.
• Baptisia Tinctoria
• Bryonia Alba
• China Rubra
• Eupatorium Perfoliatum
• Gelsemium Sempervirens
• Influenzinum
• Nux Vomica
• Phytolacca Decandra
• Rhus Toxicodendron
• Sulphur
• Sérum De Yersin
• Bronchiolitis
• Bronchitis
• Otitis
• Sinusitis
• Tracheitis
Good to know: Homoeopathy presents numerous advantages for treating influenza and influenza-like illnesses. Homoeopathy provides that remedies best-suited to each specific case, such as Gelsemium sempervirens 15 CH, Oscillococcinum, Paragrippe and Gelsemium 5 CH. Similarly, specific preventive treatments are effective for strengthening an individual’s immune system.
