Resperitory syncytial virus, or RSV is a very common resperitory virus which can cause mild cold symptoms in most cases but can progress into a serious illness in young infants from 0-3 months as well as some elderly. “Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses (like the flu or COVID-19). RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses. It usually peaks in December and January.” (1)
When you have young babies around the house, this is the time when you need to be more watchfull, especially when you have older kids that might be going to school and can bring home RSV. The older child can get RSV and might have symptoms that are mild like the cold and often you won’t even know that they have the virus! So it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with some natural remedies which you can have on hand just in case you might need it.
I have included a tea recipe which is a mild expectorant down below to help support the lungs as well as herbs that have antiviral properties which if generally safe for older kids as well as most elderly with some herb swaps if you need for people on blood pressure meds.
Lifestyle
Hydration is the first thing that you have to look at. This is where the tea recipe below can come in handy! Hydration relives many symptoms and the progression of the illness. If you have a baby then this means that you need to look at breastfeeding or formula feeding around the clock. With older kids, this means drinking the tea around the clock or maybe even electrolyte drinks.
Water is not recommended for infants less than 6 months so checking to make sure your baby is hydrated means looking to make sure your baby has wet diapers.
If there are less than 6 in a 24 hr period then a doctor should be called ASAP. For older kids see if they would like the tea recipe with some honey or maybe even coconut water, there is always diluted juices as well that I do for my kids with organic grape juice.
Secondly, look into investing in a humidifier. It has been a life saver for my own family during the cold and flu season and can be a game changer when it comes to respiratory illnesses especially around babies.
Thirdly , there are these nose suckers from Nose Frida which are very helpful in keeping the nose clear. These are very helpful for babies since they do not know how to blow their nose.
Natural Solutions
You can make your own saline nose solution with adding a teaspoon (5 ml) of salt per one cup of water and then using a dropper to administer them before a Nose Frida or you can buy Kids Xlear at your local market and use 2-4 drops in each nostril depending on the age of your child.
Also think about adding in a probiotic as well since studies show that the strain in the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus have helped decrease the duration of RSV. (2)
Look for a baby safe probiotic which can be added to formula or breast milk such as this one.
Another great remedy is OSCILLOCOCCINUM. This is a very popular homeopathic remedy and is great to have for the flu season in general. As stated in this book, as well as other studies, when taken at the first onset of an illness there is a decrease in severity and duration of the symptoms. (3)
A supplement that you can do some more research on is zinc! I love it because most kids over 15 lb are ok to take it as long as the doctor says it’s ok and it has been shown to directly effect the stop of the replication of the RSV virus. (4)
Tea Recipe
For this recipe you will be using antiviral herbs which are gentle expectorants as well, like licorice, tulsi, and mullein. If you have lungwort lichen on hand, marshmallow root or thyme instead you can mix the herbs around or swap some out if you need.
Important to note that licorice should be avoided for anyone with blood pressure issues and avoid use of this herb for long periods of time.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp (45 ml) licorice
2 tbsp (30 ml) tulsi leaf
1 tbsp (15 ml) mullein
Directions:
Mix all your desired herbs into a jar and mix well. To make tea boil 2 cups (8 oz) of water and add 1 tbsp (15 ml) of herb mix in a pot. Let simmer for about 20 min covered.
Strain and enjoy hot with honey if you or your kids prefer. Honey should not be given to any child under 1 years old.
Safety
Some things to consider when dealing with RSV is breathing difficulties in children. So you’re looking at wheezing or bluish color breathing very fast or any signs of retractions in the chest.
Dehydration is also something you need to watch for mainly with babies. Again the best way to tell in a baby is their wet diapers. In older babies you are looking for not having any tears when crying as well as general signs of labored breathing.
If you have any issues with those then please reach out to your doctor for support.
Final thoughts
The good news is that studies show that only 3% of children require hospitalization for RSV and that it is mainly for things like dehydration and breathing support. Most of those kids are released within 2-3 days. (5)
I hope this gives you some confidence on your journey when you hear of RSV being in your area or community.
Knowing what to do and where to get those supplies ahead of time can really go a long way!
God bless you,
Krystina
