RSV- What Can We Do????

I wanted to send out some information on RSV as we have had a few patients with it and I was dismayed that one of them got little help or advice from a nearby medical center. After I saw them, after they had been seen in an ER, I saw a public health commercial on TV that mentioned RSV infections, and they only advised " to get your flu and covid shot" which honestly does nothing for RSV. So lets talk about RSV-

RSV is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can lead to more serious complications in certain populations. There is no specific cure for RSV, but there are some natural treatments that may help to reduce symptoms and speed up recovery. These include:

-Getting plenty of rest

-Drinking plenty of fluids, primarily water . Hydration is very important.

-Using a COOL mist humidifier

-Taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain

-Using saline nose drops to relieve congestion and thin the mucus. In babies, can use Nose Frida: Most babies can’t effectively clear their own nose and lungs. This tool uses the parent's lung power to remove mucus from their baby’s nose. The few drops of saline solution in each nostril can loosen things up first.

-Avoiding irritants such as smoke and dust and strong odors

-Although you need food and calories to fight infection, watch for high sugar containing juices and foods as they impair your immune system and can thicken mucus

-Homeopathic remedies include Oscillococcinum . It works with your body to help temporarily relieve fatigue, headache, body aches, chills & fever. Others include-

-Thyme tea: get some organic dried thyme at your grocery /health food/ vitamin store, put 1 Tablespoon of the herb in a tea ball, soak in hot water, and put in bath water. Repeat up to six times per day. Studies have shown that thyme can help the person suffering from RSV to cough up/out the phlegm and relieve congestion.

-Epsom salt: 1 Tablespoon of Epsom salt to bath water to relax the muscles in the chest cavity and further break up mucus.

-Maty’s All Natural Baby Chest Rub: This lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile rub is specially formulated to soothe cough and congestion. For young babies, rub it on the soles of their feet. For older children, rub directly on their chest and feet. Some folks prefer a similar mixture of essential oils, or even use the Vick's VapoRub

-Garlic oil: Garlic has historically been used as a remedy for illness. Experience shows a compound in garlic called allicin will boost immune function. Rub garlic oil on baby’s feet. For older children, rub garlic oil directly on the chest.

-Raw onions: Onions benefits are from an old wives tale and hasn’t been clearly proven with research, but it’s one that many parents swear by. Chop up raw onions, cook them in water, allow to cool and then wrap in paper towels. Place the warm towels on baby’s feet for 10-15 minutes. For older children, you can place this directly onto the chest. You can also chop up raw onion and place in same room where the child sleeps.

Other, typical traditional treatments, and meds include guaifenesin to help thin mucus. That is available without a prescription.

Often times a nebulizer with a bronchodilator will help with the breathing.

If the RSV is more severe, and child has wheezing or retractions, might be given a corticosteroid.

For infants with RSV, they may need to be hospitalized for supportive care, such as IV fluids and oxygen.

In VERY RARE cases, children with RSV may require mechanical ventilation.

Babies born prematurely (<37 weeks gestation) or those with certain congenital heart defects are at increased risk for developing more serious complications from RSV infection. These children should be seen by a healthcare provider as soon as possible if they develop any symptoms of RSV infection, just to make sure they do not get into trouble. Most patients will completely recover from RSV within 1-2 weeks without any lasting effects. However, RSV can cause serious respiratory illness in young infants, the elderly, and people with chronic lung disease.

RSV typically occurs yearly in epidemics during the fall and winter months in the United States. Epidemics usually peak between December and March. RSV is highly contagious and can be spread through coughing and sneezing or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus can live on surfaces for several hours. RSV is most commonly spread in daycare settings, hospitals, and among families with small children. RSV infection is the leading cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age. Most people who get RSV will have a mild cold that lasts usually for 2-8 days, accompanied by a runny nose, a sore throat, fever, and coughing. RSV can cause more serious respiratory illness in infants, the elderly, and people with chronic lung disease as we noted above.

Contact us or your healthcare provider if you have more questions or concerns.

( thanks to Mayo Clinic and mamanatural.com for their input- go to their pages for more information)