FLU AND HOMEOPATHY

Influenza or flu is an acute contagious infection, mainly targeting the respiratory tract, caused by the influenza virus. The common symptoms are fever, cold, cough, bodyache, headache, and weakness

Apart from medicines there are a few things you can do to arrest the problem and speed up recovery:

Steam and Gargles: Hot water steam and gargles are an effective way to soothe the irritated upper respiratory tract. Avoid adding anything to the water. Plain hot water steam is best. You may add salt to the water you use for gargling.

Water: Drink lots of water to hydrate the system. It also helps in mobilizing the cold out of the body. Taking steam will be of limited benefit if your body is not well-hydrated. Dehydration aggravates the fever and headache since the detox mechanism is compromised. Caffeine, alcohol, cola beverages should be avoided as they promote dehydration.

Rest: Any fever, any infection, any illness needs rest for the body to effectively repair itself.

Vitamin C: Taking 1-2 grams of vitamin C is helpful in improving immunity to colds and infections.

Extra Care: Washing hands regularly helps in preventing the virus spread through touch. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as far as possible. Wash your hands after a sneeze or cough; do cover your face with your hands or a handkerchief while sneezing and coughing to prevent spreading the virus.

ROLE OF HOMEOPATHY IN FLU: Homeopathy will not kill the flu virus, but it will improve the body’s response in eliminating it through its immune mechanism. The common flu remedies are Aconite, Bryonia, Eupatorium, Arsenic Alb, Rhus tox. It is advisable to consult your doctor before starting on any remedy since the choice of medicines depends on the symptoms you are having. Secondly, it is also important to rule out other disease conditions before commencing treatment. Homeopathy also has preventive remedies which are chosen according to the individual case. Homeopathy is very effective and without side-effects in treating the flu.