The swine flu outbreak has spawned numerous treatments to tackle the H1N1 virus, which has already claimed over 30 lives in Telangana.
Among the many forms of alternative medicine that have pitched claims of a cure, homeopathy definitely seems to have stolen a march over the others. Banners declaring the availaib-ility of swine flu preventive medicines are found across Hyderabad.
Unable to afford expensive vaccines and afraid of losing out on precious time, the public is trying out such medications.
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Senior doctors who have been handling swine flu cases since 2009 acknowledge that there is always a fear and chance of exploitation during an epidemic.
“There is no harm in taking homeopathic medicine from doctors giving it for free. The public can visit the nearest government homeopathy dispensary. Do not believe in clinics or fly-by-night operators charging anywhere between Rs.100 and Rs.250 for consultation,” says S. Kishan, chief superintendent of the Government Homeo Pharmacy.
There is also the question of evidence-based medicine and homeopathy. Doctors point out that if one goes strictly by evidence-based studies, there is little reason to believe that homeopathy is useful.
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“Taking homeopathy pills may improve immunity. However, it’s wrong to have full faith in it and believe that if taken, people will not be infected with H1N1,” argues K. Subhakar, professor of pulmonology at Osmania Medical College. “If a practitioner sells homeopathy pills claiming it will prevent swine flu, it is exploitation. At least vaccines do have evidence-based studies, but homeopathic drugs in H1N1 do not,” he observes.
Dr. Kishan claims the homeopathic drug Ars-Alb (30 potency), administered as a swine flu preventive, works for multiple ailments. “The drug being distributed is an antibiotic, anti-pyretic, analgesic and anti-inflamm-atory property and does not harm anybody,” he adds.
M. Sai Gopal