On Wednesday, the AYUSH ministry issued a health advisory and recommended that homeopathic and Unani medicines could be effective in the prevention of novel coronavirus (nCoV) infections.

The ministry said in a statement that the advisory was issued following a meeting on Tuesday of the scientific advisory board of the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) under the Ministry of AYUSH to talk over the ways and measures for prevention of the nCoV infection through homoeopathy. It has suggested that homoeopathic medicine Arsenicum album 30 can be taken empty stomach daily for three days as a prophylactic medicine against the nCoV infection.

The advisory also said that the dose should be repeated after one month, following the same schedule if in case the nCoV infection prevails in the community, adding that the same has been advised for prevention of influenza-like illness too.

It also recommends some Ayurvedic medicines, Unani decoctions and few home remedies that can be useful in symptomatic management of nCoV infections.

The advisory also advises general hygienic measures for prevention of air-borne infections, for example, maintaining personal hygiene, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and to avoid close contact with people who are ill.

The ministry has also instructed to cover face while coughing or sneezing and if possible use an N95 mask while travelling or working in public places to avoid any droplet transmissions. Also, if you suspect Corona Viral infection, wear a mask and contact your nearest hospital immediately.

It also recommends prophylactic measures/ immunomodulatory drugs as per Ayurvedic practices to strengthen the immunity through a healthy diet and lifestyle practices.

Novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a large family of viruses that causes ailments ranging from common cold to acute respiratory syndromes. The virus has so far killed 132 people and affected at least 6,000 others in China. It is a novel strain which is rare and has emerged from a seafood and animal market in Wuhan city and is suspected to have spread to the United States.

Also in India, many people are under observation in hospitals for suspected coronavirus infection in several states including Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha and the national capital Delhi. People returning back to the country after visiting China are being screened for the deadly virus at airports across the country.

According to the World Health Organization, the common symptoms of the novel coronavirus strain are fever, cough, and shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Source: ET Healthworld