Homoeopathy can treat swine flu

Ritika Jha Palial

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 19

A homoeopathic medicine has been identified by the Union Health Ministry that can prevent as well as cure swine flu infection.

“The medicine arsenicum album 30 has been authenticated by the ministry for prevention and cure of swine flu. The medicine is available at all 10 Ayush (ayurvedic) dispensaries in the city free of cost. We received a letter from the ministry that suggested us to bring it into public notice that there is no need to panic as this medicine is also effective,” said Dr Rajeshwar Singh Rana, assistant director, Homoeopathy, UT Health Department.

“This medicine does not target the virus directly but raises immunity of the body in fighting the virus and its effects. There are various homeopathic medicines that can prevent and cure swine flu but arsenicum album 30 is the most recognised one,” said Dr Harsh Sharma, a homoeopathy expert from Mohali.

Meanwhile, Dr Anil Garg, nodal officer for National Vectre Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), said, “All those who suspect flu symptoms should certainly get themselves examined at the swine flu clinics in either of three government hospitals.”

Two days ago, Chandigarh Tribune highlighted that at least 2-3 patients had been enquiring about the availability of the swine flu vaccine that costs Rs 800-1,000.

Experts, however, said since the mutation of the H1N1 virus is consistent throughout the year, the effectiveness of the vaccine in ensuring immunity against the infection cannot be ascertained.

“The vaccine stocks are imported every year and the stocks are limited. Now the stocks are almost exhausted but people enquire about its availability every day. The demand is maximum at chemist shops located in Sector 16, 11 and 15 that are located near PGIMER,” market sources said.

So far, 8 cases of swine flu have been reported from the city, including three deaths.

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a viral disease. It affects the respiratory system. It is caused by influenza virus, particularly the H1N1 virus strain.

Spread of the disease

Swine flu spreads from one person to another through inhalation of the contaminated droplets containing the virus. These droplets are released in the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

Symptoms

The symptoms of swine flu resemble that of any other flu. The patient has a running nose. Watery discharge from the nose and eyes is seen. Patients suffer cough and fever, which may be high.