This fall’s predicted resurgence of the Swine Flu seems to be all over the media right now. My office is already getting many calls from patients asking when our Swine Flu remedy will be available. Usually our homeopathic treatment is ready when the FDA-approved flu shot is ready, since it is manufactured from the same virus. We typically have it in the office by early October; but if the flu shot is delayed, our homeopathic remedy will be delayed as well.

Why offer a homeopathic remedy at all, when getting the flu shot seems simple and effective? First, there are certain people who absolutely should get the shot. The elderly, for example, or people with compromised immune systems, need that concentrated dose of the virus to boost their immunity quickly. But I have successfully treated the vast majority of my patients for decades with a homeopathic remedy, because it is just as effective and does not carry the risks and potential side-effects of the flu shot.

Basically, the flu shot gives a concentrated dose of the live flu virus to boost your immunity. But it carries risks of infection or adverse reaction – some people break out in hives, or actually get an abbreviated case of the flu. And for people with certain alergies, the flu shot carries an increased risk of side-effects. People allergic to eggs, for example, can’t get the shot at all.

The homeopathic remedy, in the form of pellets you place under your tongue, delivers a dilluted dose of the flu virus that gradually builds in the system and prevents infection. It carries no risk of actually getting the flu, and can be taken by anyone with allergies or other pre-existing conditions with virtually no chance of a bad reaction.

I’ll post again when I have a better idea of when this year’s remedy will be available; we will have it in our office and on the Apothecary website for people who want to order it online.