Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Influenza is a highly infectious illness caused by the influenza A or B viruses.
Together with the high infectivity rates, relatively short incubation period and the
genetic lability of the influenza virus, influenza can cause overwhelming epidemics
and thus become extremely problematic to world public health (Bannister et al.,
1996: 131-134). Influenza and influenza-like syndromes are responsible for one third
of absenteeism in the workplace and it is due to this that prophylactic and curative
measures have become necessary (papp et al., 1998: 69-76).
In homoeopathyit is known that treatment of an epidemic with the genus epidemicus
remedy should be effective in the majority of cases (Kent, 1979: 33-39). This remedy
is carefully chosen on account of its similarity to the main presenting symptoms
displayed in all cases of the respective year's influenza picture. The aim of this study
. was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the genus epidemicus remedy indicated for
the current year's influenza epidemic, namely Arsenicum album. It was administered
in a 30CH potency.
The efficacy of the genus epidemicus remedy in the treatment of influenza was
assessed by investigating the intensity and duration of influenza symptoms over a
specified period of time, this being four days, in a suitable sample group. The sample
group was selected and obtained in a clinical setting. The sample group was randomly
divided into an experimental group and a control group of fifteen participants
respectively. Symptoms were monitored with the use of a questionnaire (Appendix
C). Placebos were administered to the control group and Arsenicum album 30CH was
administered to the experimental group. The medication was administered as a single
dose of five pillules three times daily. The first dose of medication was administered
in the clinician's office on commencement of the study and the following. six doses
were to be taken three times daily, in the morning, at lunch and in the evening, by the
participants themselves.
Data was analysed by means of the Mann-Whitney statistical test. The experimental
and control groups were analysed separately. Group A was determined to be the
control group and Group B was determined to be the experimental group.
Effectiveness ofArsenicum album 30CH in the treatment of influenza was defined as
a statistically significant greater decrease in the symptom severity over time in the
experimental group, Group B, as compared with the control group, Group A.
From statistical evaluation it was determined that the homoeopathic remedy,
Arsenicum album 30CH, was the indicated genus epidemicus remedy for the
influenza epidemic of the winter of 2001. It was further determined that Arsenicum
album 30CH was effective in reducing the severity of symptoms of influenza or
influenza-like syndrome and was thus effective in the treatment of influenza and
influenza-like syndrome.