2006 VOL 1, NO 3

Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars on widely advertised remedies for colds and flu, but research shows that conventional medicine does very little to effectively treat these viral illnesses. Meanwhile, a study done by the federal government suggested that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) remedies are gaining wide acceptance by Americans who are dissatisfied with conventional medicine.
 
Doctors of chiropractic and other licensed CAM providers routinely “prescribe” over-the-counter homeopathic drugs, herbs and vitamins for the full range of cold and flu symptoms. These remedies are safe and effective when taken in dosages prescribed by a doctor. Homeopathic drugs have few side effects and minor contraindications for use.

Research supports the routine use of CAM for common colds and flu, especially homeopathic remedies that outperform, or are comparable to, conventional medicine. Homeopathic drugs that were evaluated in studies shortened the duration of illness and reduced the severity of symptoms by 60% to 80%.

Conventional over-the-counter remedies suppress the signs of viral infection, but they do not speed recovery or prevent secondary infections, like bacterial sinusitis or pneumonia. The biggest disappointment is popular cough syrups that promise quick, often non-drowsy relief without a prescription. Cough syrups are generally ineffective, or contain drugs that are not proven to treat coughs. Many remedies have serious side effects. Antiviral medications are declining in effectiveness, according to new studies. Flu vaccines, currently in short supply, are of limited benefit.

While medical providers struggle to find effective treatments for common colds, flu and their complications, the US public’s use of CAM has increased substantially since the 1990’s.  In 2002, about 62% of US adults used CAM, and roughly, 10% used CAM for head or chest colds.  Doctors of chiropractic were consulted more often than other CAM providers, primarily as a complement to conventional medicine, not as an alternative.

In any given year, most children and adults will have 2 to 9 colds and recover in approximately 2 weeks without complications.  In a moderate flu season, an average of 13% of the population will get the flu, and approximately 36,000 people will die from complications.  With no cure on the immediate horizon and conventional medicine unable to keep pace, preventive measures and CAM treatments take center stage.

–K.A. Morgensen, DC