Immunization: A promising future

Abstract

Immunization is an important aspect of global public health. The vaccine industry is presently undergoing rapid expansion and dynamic changes. The public health considerations for the provision of vaccines to the global population is becoming more challenging as a result of this increase in the scope and complexity of vaccines. Seasonal influenza is a significant global public health challenge due to annual seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics. Vaccination is the cornerstone of influenza prevention and control of epidemics, however vaccine effectiveness is suboptimal with a significant factor being the frequent genetic shift and drift of multiple different virus strains. There is an alternative method for disease-specific immunization known as homeoprophylaxis. Homeoprophylaxis is based on the science of homeopathy. Homeopathy is a comprehensive and holistic therapeutic system that was founded in the late 1700's and has been used globally for over 200 years. Research supporting the efficacy and effectiveness of homeopathy has increased significantly. Homeopathy is progressively receiving scientific validation and greater acceptance due to the documentation of significant clinical research outcomes as well as the evolving understanding of physics, chemistry, nanoparticles and biomedicine. A recent systematic review of physicochemical research of homeopathic mechanisms revealed multiple publications documenting the physical changes induced by homeopathic medicines. Advances in the fields of systems theory and complex systems biology are also contributing to a greater acceptance and understanding of homeopathy. Bioenergetic medicine is another growing field whose advancing knowledge is supportive of homeopathy. Studies of homeoprophylaxis in multiple different infectious diseases have shown it to be comparably effective to vaccination and without toxicity. This paper discusses the state of research in homeoprophylaxis in both epidemics and as well long-term endemic disease control with a particular emphasis on the prevention and management of influenza-like illnesses.