An online survey based on homoeopathy as prophylactic for influenza (Flu) like illness

Abstract

Background: The homoeopathic prophylaxis (homeoprophylaxis) had been used in prevention of epidemic diseases and had been applied for more than 200 years to various diseases in different parts of the world. A survey has been undertaken to primarily assess the effects of homoeopathic medicine as prophylactic in Influenza like illness. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the effects of homoeopathic prophylaxis against flu like symptoms and to identify the most commonly used medicine for homeoprophylaxis.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in the midst of the pandemic (27th April 2020 to 3rd May 2020) in Uttar Pradesh, India. A pilot-tested, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was used for this survey. Results: A total of 347 responses were received on closing of survey. Out of these, 233 received homoeopathic prophylaxis and 114 had not received same. Of the 233 who received prophylaxis, 26(11.15%) had exposed with person/s having flu like symptoms, 206 had no history of exposure, while 35 were unsure of it. Arsenic album was the most commonly taken homoeopathic prophylaxis as single dose once in a day maximum for 3 days. Prophylaxis was taken in maximum cases for 3 days and in dosage of once in a day. 54.07% participants who have taken homeoprophylaxis were, ‘very confident’ about the protective effect of the medication.Conclusions: Further detailed survey on large number of participants is need of future to assess the effects of homoeopathic prophylaxis.