Prophylaxis — The Moot Point
After a month and a half of speculating and theorizing, I can see we are back to square one. Coming down to brass tacks the question of prophylaxis is always baffling. It would be very naive to paint the city red, both figuratively and literally with ‘paan’ stains and expect to be protected by pill (HCQS/HCQS + Azithromycin) or pellet (Bryonia, Arsenic, etc)
From the homeopathic perspective, the Constitutional remedy (usually from the mineral kingdom) is the only assured way of offering immuno-prophylaxis. Occasionally nosodes (extracted from diseased products) can be of assistance. This is applicable to the asymptomatic group of patients.
In a pandemic an acute fever totality based on location, sensation, modality, and concomitants with some typical homeopathic symptoms regarding thirst, thermal state, and mental disposition the remedy can be prescribed without going through the detailed case taking.
The presentation in suspected COVID is almost always a URTI. The corresponding remedy is one of the polycrests in the correct potency and repetition. The chosen remedy aborts further worsening of the ailment. This happens in a reactive system with symptoms like sore throat, running nose, headache, myalgia, and so on. A reactive system is a responsive system
and is easier to manage. This clears 85–90% of the symptomatic group.
Homeopathy works on the principle of individuality — one size doesn’t fit all. In the geriatric group, the local defense factors — ciliary movement, mucus secretion from Goblet cells, lung compliance, and muscular asthenia contribute to an already morbid constitution with metabolic disorders. Thus a viral infection acts as the proverbial last straw on the camel’s back. By the time the elderly approach us the presentation is of intense gravity and needs deeper acting remedies (Camphor, Lachesis, etc). These are potentially indoor patients who require close monitoring with supportive measures.
As a general health measure, traditional sunlight, hydration, regular exercise and adequate sleep with social distancing, cough etiquette, regular hand wash should suffice. Don’t forget the grandma’s garlic, ginger, and turmeric.
