Nervous People Turn To Homeopathic Flu Remedies

Doctor: No Proof Holistic Approach Works

As the flu continues to spread, nervous people are being turned away for flu shots because of the vaccine shortage.

Who would have thought so many people would want a shot? Not the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and not the people who make the flu vaccine.

The agency continues to urge people to get the flu vaccine, although supplies are low in some areas. And clinics that do have the vaccine are dealing with long lines.

While officials are working to distribute the remaining vaccinations to those who need it most, some people are trying something new.

At Ohio Holistic Medicine, there is plenty of homeopathic flu vaccine, a natural remedy some doctors say works, even for people who already have the flu, reported WEWS-TV in Cleveland.

"It has relieved their symptoms of the flu, so they've recovered in a day or two and come back to work, as opposed to suffering for a week or two," said Dr. Leonard Torok, of Ohio Holistic Medicine.

The homeopathic form is the traditional vaccine diluted into a water and alcohol solution over and over. You take two pills a day for a couple of months. "The nice part about the process is it's difficult to run out of this vaccine, as they're running out of the other," said Torok.

The question is, is it better than the vaccine, or even any good at all? Traditional medicine has its doubts because the law doesn't require the same research.

"I don't have any documented evidence of any proof that holistic or herbal remedies would help prevent the flu or even cure it," said Corinne Conner, a registered nurse at the Cleveland Clinic.

There are also ample supplies of FluMist, the vaccine that goes into your nose, although it's more expensive than a traditional flu shot and not everyone is eligible for it.

If you do get the flu, don't come to work, because that's the best way to spread it -- stay home instead. And if you do feel really sick, go to a doctor to treat your symptoms.

Death Of Massachusetts College Student Investigated

Federal health officials are investigating the flu-related death of a college student in Massachusetts.

Jeffrey Donohue, 18, of Winthrop, Mass., died Sunday at Massachusetts General Hospital, reported WCVB-TV in Boston.

Officials are testing to see if Donohue had the same type of flu strain that's blamed in nine children in Colorado, and others in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

The student attended Worcester State College. His roommate is also reportedly ill.

Donahue went home over the Thanksgiving break and saw a doctor because he wasn't feeling well, but nothing was diagnosed. He then went back to school after the break, but last weekend he was admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed with A-type influenza.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound student was described as healthy and very athletic.

Donahue's death has alarmed some of his classmates.

"If there is something going around where it is that serious, then I'd be worried about it," said freshman Noah D'Onofrio.

"I sometimes get like a sinus infection or something like that, but I never think something like the flu could actually kill, so, it's kinda creepin' me out a little bit," said freshman Mark Peterson.

"We do see, every year, deaths in younger people, and this year because there is more influenza we may see more of that. It is possible that the strain that is circulating might be worse than strains that we've seen in the past," said Dr. Alfred DeMaria, the Massachusetts director of communicable disease control.

Health officials said those most at risk should be vaccinated from the flu. Those include children 6 months to 2 years, adults over the age of 65, and people with chronic medical conditions. Flu symptoms include shortness of breath, an inability to keep down liquids, dehydration and mood swings.

Hospital Reports Surge Of Flu Among Pregnant Women

A large public hospital in Dallas is reporting a surge in the number of flu cases among young pregnant women.

Parkland Health and Hospital System says it's had about 80 expectant mothers diagnosed with the flu since early October. A doctor said it's rare to see so many pregnant women get sick.

"It can be very serious for a pregnant woman. We are seeing more serious cases in women who are late in their pregnancy. Because of their big bellies, they're already having trouble breathing. And then the flu settles in and it gives them some respiratory distress at times," said Dr. Jane Wigginton, of Parkland Hospital.

Flu shots are recommended for women beyond the first three months of pregnancy during the flu season.

The doctor said some health officials speculate that because Parkland treats many uninsured people, its patients are less likely to see a doctor regularly -- or early on when they get sick.

A Texas Department of Health survey found no other serious outbreaks among pregnant women in the state.

Previous Stories:

• December 9, 2003: Vaccine Shortages Shift Spotlight To FluMist
• December 9, 2003: Drug-Resistant Flu Complication Baffles Experts
• December 8, 2003: Flu Could Get Worse Before It Gets Better
• December 5, 2003: Flu Shot Makers Run Out Of Vaccine
• December 4, 2003: Flu Outbreak Spreads, Killing At Least 11 Children
• December 3, 2003: Flu Outbreak Claims Two More Young Victims
• December 2, 2003: Parents Worried About Flu Fill Doctors' Offices

Copyright 2003 by Channel3000.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.