Retrospective Observational Survey on a Series of 183 Consecutive Patients Homeopatically-treted during the first COVID-19 peak in Belgium.

Background: In Belgium, the first peak of COVID-19 was observed between March and April 2020. This represented more than 300 deaths a day begin April and more than 1500 new cases every day during this period. Aims: This retrospective observational survey of homeopathic practice in Belgium has been conducted to evaluate how homeopathic medical doctors (HMD) treated their patients presenting mild symptoms of COVID-19. Methodology: 6 HMDs accepted to provide systematic data from all consecutive cases treated for COVID-19 symptoms from February up to June 2020. This observational retrospective data collection was compared with information from a free exchange HMDs' forum. 13 HMDs regularly participated in this forum. Results and discussion: this survey includes 183 patients presenting mild COVID-19 symptoms. A shorter symptoms duration than commonly observed is relevant for 83,1% of these patients. The typical average duration of COVID-19 symptomatology is 20 days. The four most used homeopathic medicines (Bryonia alba/Arsenicum album/Phosphorus/Gelsemium sempervirens) were prescribed to 66% of them. A total of 1,1% needed hospitalization. Not any loss of chance to cure occurred for these patients that used homeopathy for COVID-19 symptoms. Market data also reveals that homeopathy has mainly been used in Belgium for prevention and healing during the early peak of COVID-19 (March/April 2020). Conclusion: This survey allows us to conclude that during an epidemic outbreak for which no effective therapy exists and no vaccination is yet possible, homeopathy could be considered a valuable approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]