Winter is a time when certain contagious diseases such as the flu develop. The latter, also called "influenza", is a viral disease caused by three viruses "Myxovirus influenzae" A, B and C, which can affect certain animals (birds, pigs, etc.) and the human species. In the latter case, the pathology is often seasonal and spreads easily through the ambient air.
Attacking the respiratory system, the flu attacks the entire body and presents various symptoms such as headaches and muscle aches preventing the most feverish from carrying out their daily activities.
However, the flu is easy to treat, and the illness normally only lasts 3 to 7 days. In addition, several pharmaceutical and homeopathic products can treat flu and influenza-like illnesses that have less severe symptoms than those of the flu. In addition, homeopathic treatments are not only curative but can also be preventive if the remedies are taken before the first signs of the disease appear.
Flu symptoms
After the incubation period of influenza in the body (24 to 48 hours), the first symptoms of the flu appear and begin with chills. Similarly, aches and pains, joint and muscle pain, headaches, sneezing, general fatigue and a fever of varying degrees may occur.
When the flu has started and spread through the body, dry coughs and runny nose add to the symptoms. When the cough persists, chest pain can also appear. But other symptoms such as cold sweats, watery eyes, diarrhoea (stomach flu), drowsiness or lack of appetite can also occur during the flu. As for influenza-like illnesses, they present the same symptoms as the flu, but attenuated.
Preventive treatment of flu and flu-like illnesses
The best way to prevent the flu is to strengthen the body's immune defences. To do this, from the off-season and throughout the winter period, various homeopathic remedies such as "Echinacea" are to be taken at a rate of 200 drops per day for an adult. The intake of "Oscillococcinum", to be consumed every two weeks, combined with "Influenzinum 9 CH" at a weekly dose for the first three months and then monthly for the following three months is also effective.
In addition, to prevent the flu, it is possible to establish a real program to strengthen the body, from September to February. To do this, a dose of four granules of three products can be taken alternately: "Yersin 7CH" every Saturday and Wednesday, "Influenzinum 7CH" every Thursday and Monday and "Aviaire 7CH" every Tuesday and Friday. Indeed, when the immune defenses are strengthened, the body is immune to the flu and the symptoms of the flu can be reduced.
Curative treatment
With a single homeopathic product, it is possible to treat the flu and its symptoms. This is the case of "Oscillococcinum", at a rate of two doses (morning and evening) per day, which can however be combined with "Sulfur 15 CH" or "Yersin 9 CH" serum. Similarly, taking "Paraflu" every hour as soon as the first symptoms appear (24 hours), then every two hours the following day is also very effective. You can also take "Homeoflu" (1 or 2 tablets to be consumed every hour) or "Boripharm" (four doses of 4 granules per day).
Some symptoms of influenza and influenza-like illness may persist after treatment, despite improvement in symptoms. Moreover, after the flu, the patient is usually in a tired state and relapse is feared. In order to avoid this scenario, taking "Influenzinum 15CH" weekly during the month following the flu is essential to strengthen the body.
Treatment for fever
The flu is often characterized by a fever of varying degrees, which can be treated with various homeopathic remedies. 'Bryonia alba 9 CH' may reduce fever in people with flu with increased thirst, sweating and dry cough. For patients suffering from severe headaches during the flu, "Gelsemium 5 CH" is recommended. For the weakest, "Ferrum phos 5CH" is the most suitable. Aconitum napellus and Belladonna are also effective against fever in case of flu. The first is recommended in case of fever without sweating, and the second in case of profuse sweating.
Treatment for muscle aches and pains
Muscle aches and pains are among the most bothersome symptoms of the flu. Fortunately, they can be alleviated and treated with homeopathic remedies adapted to each case. For example, if the patient is depressed, has chills, severe headache, numerous aches and pains, taking 5 granules of "Gelsemium sempervirens 15 CH" every two hours may improve the symptoms. The remedies "Arnica Montana 9 CH" and "Rhus toxicodendron 5 CH" are also effective in combating severe aches and pains.
In the event that muscle pain is more specific, equally specific remedies are appropriate. For example, if the patient has localized aches and pains mainly in the back (in addition to fever, runny nose and chills), the "Nux vomica 9 CH" (to be taken every two hours) is the most indicated. If, on the other hand, the patient has bone pain (breakage) and feels the need to constantly change position in bed, "Eupatorium perfoliatum 9 CH" is the most effective.
When to see a doctor?
The flu is easily treated with homeopathy. However, in some cases, it is essential to consult a doctor. Indeed, certain complications can occur: breathing difficulties even at rest (shortness of breath), fever rise for three days (more than 38.5 °C) or chest pain. If any of these symptoms appear, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
