It has now become clear that we have an incredible amount to do this winter! At present several colds and the flu are going around, raging in the USA and in Europe. Here is a short update to supplement my previous posts on this topic. I write this assuming that you know what a genius epidemicus is (see also my newsletter No. 33–38), that you can distinguish between an acute and a chronic prescription for your patients, and that you, of course, know how to treat your patients adequately and safely at all times.
There are currently several commonly observed clinical presentations:
- Phosphoricum acidum: The outstanding feature here is extreme physical weakness. While this kind of weakness has often responded well to Gelsemium in past years, if it does not work this time you should also consider Phos-ac. The accompanying symptom is a kind of 'flatness' of feeling that leads the patient to not care about anything; it is like a deep and penetrating apathy.
- Bryonia (or Spongia?): With Bryonia a rapidly developing, severe and intense cough stands out, which can lead to bronchitis or even pneumonia. A similar remedy that is relevant this year is Spongia. The key symptom for Spongia's cough is that it is triggered by irritation in the hollow of the throat (jugulum), worse when the neck is stretched upwards and backwards, as if looking up.
- Cocculus indicus: Prominent here is an infection of the upper airways accompanied by a persistent, slight dizziness. The patient feels unsteady on their feet.
- Belladonna: This remedy is well known to us but can often be overlooked at present. What stands out here is an intense, sudden and extreme attack of dizziness that leads to nausea and vomiting. The dizziness is made worse by movement, especially when the patient bends forward and stoops. It is accompanied by very mild headaches and a slightly hot head and, in comparison, cool extremities. The main symptom, however, is the intense and sudden dizziness — it is very striking.
- Mercurius: Prominent here is a diffuse respiratory infection. If you have no other clear indication for a remedy but believe the patient needs one, this remedy could be the right choice. While the typical symptoms of this remedy are very clear and well known, the keynotes seem to be absent this season. No sweating, no drooling, trembling, etc. If you are facing an infection that is progressively worsening with whitish-greenish mucus, you should consider Mercurius. Interestingly, patients begin to sweat after taking the remedy as they start to improve.
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Source: http://paulherscuepidemics.blogspot.com/2019/01/epidemic-update-january-2019.html
Photo: Shutterstock_334533224, Copyright: sezer66
