Influenza Update

The last time I wrote about influenza was back on May 5, 2009; Influenza Pandemic?  Since then we have heard much about the influenza pandemic. One of the comments I had then and still do today is if there is a pandemic, meaning mass populations around the globe of people who are suffering from the flu symptoms, why haven't I seen any cases of influenza locally? Well in the last two weeks there have been 7 cases of influenza that I have seen. This does not seem like a particularly high number of people suffering, compared to any previous year. But I must say the fear around the suffering has been extreme. It seems the media blitz is having it's effects.

There have been 3 remedies that have been most useful so far. Two cases required Arsenicum, two cases Bryonia and 3 cases needed Gelsemium. This is about average in terms of common remedies necessary during the flu season. I differentiated the remedies based on their symptoms. One thing common to all of the cases was the question, "Is this the swine flu?"  There seems to be a collective consciousness about being sick with flu symptoms. Each person had been "overdoing it" prior to getting sick. It is obvious that once their energy had been depleted, they became more susceptible to the infection.

We all know that susceptibility happens to the vital force before it could ever be recognized by the individual, but each of these individuals were run down and tired. They had not been taking good care of themselves prior to their illness. All experienced a time when they felt off or "not right"; like they were getting sick. This lasted on average from 6 to 12 hours. Had they contacted me during this time I would have suggested they take Occilococcinum 200C one dose and wait. If more symptoms appear then it is time to start taking the case and looking for clues for the best remedy.

Restlessness was common for two of the cases. This combined with burning sensations in the throat and fever alternating with chills led to Arsenicum Album 30C as the remedy. In one of the cases it helped during the first 24 hours but then stopped. The symptoms changed to greater thirst, light sensitivity and nausea that led to changing the remedy to Bryonia.

In three other cases there were runny nose, droopy eyes and mild fever with great lethargy. Gelsemium was prescribed. In one case along with the physical symptoms the person had a very difficult time explaining how they were feeling. They could tell me the objective symptoms, ie. fever, sore throat and cold symptoms but to explain the quality of those symptoms they she a very difficult time answering questions.  The answer was often, "I don't know,it just hurts."

Both Bryonia cases had the common symptom of worse for movement and greater thirst. One also had light sensitivity accompanying nausea. The Bryonia cases also had some lung involvement with dry cough.

All cases resolved themselves within 5 days. There seem to be no lasting effects. One of the Gelsemium cases was a child in grammar school. He has been successfully being treated for asthma and when first came to my office one and a half years ago was getting colds that always went to the lungs. His mother was desperate to find alternatives to the inhalers and drugs the allopathic doctors were prescribing. She was very concerned for her child this time because of the swine flu epidemic scare. I assured her that he would be OK and to call daily until he was substantially improved. The flu symptoms of sore throat, headache and runny nose were the beginning symptoms. What led to the remedy was the comment from mom that his eyes were at half mast. After repeating Gelsemium 30C four times per day, the cold symptoms never dropped to his lungs and the entire illness was resolved in four days. Needless to say, mom was very pleased and continues to be a big supporter of homeopathy.

The best way to treat the flu is to prevent it and be prepared. Maintaining good hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits will be your best prevention. Getting good rest and keeping yourself healthy is easier than trying to treat illness after it settles in. Having a remedy kit of common flu remedies available will be your best solution if you get sick. You can order a remedy kit with 45 common remedies for influenza by calling 1-800-336-1695 and asking for the Homeopathic Medical Clinic Pandemic Influenza Kit. It sells for $100.00 and comes in a small handy carrying case. This is something that you could easily keep with you in your pack, purse or handbag and travel with. Remember to avoid X-ray examination if traveling through airport security screening.  One of the big downfalls of homeopathy is needing a remedy and not having it available. Be prepared; you can then help yourself and your family.

I do not know if any of these flu cases were in fact the "swine flu" strain. I do know that all responded to homeopathy and that the extent of their symptoms were resolved in a very quick manner for any influenza. So my opinion is that the flu season has begun. School is in session and I expect that there will be more cases of influenza in the near future. I did not see any evidence that this influenza was any more virulent or dangerous than any other influenza's I have seen in the past. I hope this is helpful to all of you. Please share any of your experiences. We can all learn from each other.