By: Dr. Rhonda Steinke, ND

 Influenza virus is the subject of interest regarding health.  We at Health Through Nature believe in providing the best information regarding our suggestions and educate our patients on the pro's and con's of both conventional and alternative medicine.  Unfortunately there is some skewed information on Homeopathy for the Influenza Virus and I would like to offer some information regarding homeopathic Influenzinum.   

Influenzinum Information

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What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy means “similar” “disease” The medicine in its crude form given to healthy individuals original creates symptoms but when given in a very dilute form overcomes symptoms.  This happens by giving the diluted medicine to sick individuals with similar symptoms created in the crude form.  The totality of the symptoms created by the medicine in its crude form is matched to totality of the symptoms in a sick individual.  By giving the individual the most similar dilute medicine to match all of their symptoms alleviates illness.

What is Influenzinum?

• Diluted influenza virus rendered sterile at its first dilution
• The remedy contains Influenza serotypes A, B, & C 
• Essentially there are no particles of the flu found in the vials due to their extreme dilution.  It is only the molecular structure of the original molecule that remains
• Influenzinum is meant for prevention of contracting Influenza virus
• Influenzinum is not actually homeopathy but isopathy meaning “same” “medicine” which is when the remedy given is the same agent that caused the disease.
• Influenzinum is preserved in a very small amount of lactose otherwise no additional additives
  

How does it compare to Oscillococcinum?

• Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic remedy called anas barbarieae hepaties et cordis extractum potency 200CK it is meant for after an individual contracts flu-like symptoms not for prevention.
• It is best and typically only effective in early signs of flu
• Being a homeopathic remedy Oscillococcinum may not be the most similar medicine to match the characteristic symptoms that an individual presents with. 
  

Is Influenzinum effective?

• Research studies have shown there to be anti-body formation against the disease from administration of a nosode. [1]
• Research showed effectiveness in prevention of meningitis by use of nosode Meningococcinum in area where meningitis was prevalent[2]
• Similar immune response was seen from giving homeopathic histamine to humans where their body’s immune system released IgE (immunological response to histamine).[3]
  

What are the limitations?

• There is little research behind effectiveness of Influenzinum
• Not as effective as flu vaccination
• Isopathy is not as effective as classical homeopathy
  

How should I take Influenzinum?

• Place 3 pellets under tongue and let dilute one time a week
• You may take it anytime of the day
• Take until flu season has ceased (April/May)
  

Are there adverse reactions?

• There have been no adverse reactions noted
  

*Influenzinum should not be substituted for general hygiene to decrease spread of the flu such as hand washing, covering mouth upon sneezing/coughing, and avoiding public areas when ill.

*This information is not to be substituted as medical advice.  Please seek medical attention if you experience flu like symptoms of; fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches.   

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