Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can infect your airways and lungs. It is highly contagious and spreads easily. RSV infections most often affect children under 2 years of age. What are the symptoms of RSV? Symptoms usually start 3 to 10 days after infection with RSV. Some people will also get an ear infection.
RSV is one of about 200 viruses that can cause a cold — which is very common. The symptoms depend on the severity, age, and health of the infected person. Mild flu-like symptoms in older children and adults such as stuffy and runny nose, mild headache, mild cough, mild fever, and sore throat. Signs and symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infection most commonly appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus. In adults and older children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms.
How RSV is spread?
Coughing and sneezing spread RSV, so people should take precautions and maintain a healthy immune system which is discussed further.
Symptoms of RSV
The symptoms of RSV depend on the severity, age, and health of the infected person.
Mild flu-like symptoms in older children and adults such as
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Mild headache
- Mild cough
- Mild fever
- Sore throat
Severe symptoms in children and the immunocompromised include:
- Discolouration of skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Wheezing
- Severe cough
- Fever
Ginger is indicated for RSV
What’s the treatment for RSV?
RSV can’t be treated with antibiotics, because antibiotics don’t work against viruses. As Louise Pasteur even wrote, “It is the terrain, not the pathogen'”. In 1873 and even today, the medical establishment was/is reluctant to accept his germ theory of disease. What he meant by that quote is a healthy immune system can defend itself.
Fortunately, a wide range of specific antiviral herbs can treat RSV, and Ginger and Turmeric are among them. Treatment with herbal medicine should consist of antivirals, synergistic, immune strengthening, and anti-inflammatory herbs, and specific quality nutrients. As with every viral infection, a good blood level of Iron, Selenium, Zinc Magnesium, Vitamin C, D, and E is mandatory. However, if you already have a viral infection, Iron will make your condition worse. Also, herbs like Panax ginseng, Korea Ginseng, Astragalus, and Coenzyme Q10 are contraindicated in any infections. Therefore, during the infection, please stop taking all the above-mentioned herbs and nutrients.
If RSV is untreated, it can progress into pneumonia. Elderly people and nursing homes are more prone to infections. Complications of RSV include hospitalization, especially for infants and older people. People who have recovered from any viral infection should take it easy for the first few weeks to avoid chronic fatigue syndrome.
Is respiratory syncytial virus contagious?
Reported cases of the virus, which causes respiratory infections, have been on the increase this winter with numbers in some states 10 times higher than what they were at the same time last year. One of the reasons could be low Vitamin D (lockdowns), poor nutrition (lockdowns), lack of motivation, depression, anxiety, and ongoing stress during a pandemic and after, leading to low immunity.
References:
1. Herbal antiviral, Optimal Rx, October 2015
2. Buhner Stephen Harrod, ‘Herbal Antivirals’, Mc Naughton & Gunn Inc, 2013
3. Goering Richard V., et al. Mim’s Medical Microbiology ” Fifth Edition, Elsevier 2013
4.Respiratory syncytial virus cases are rising in Australia — how is testing done? – ABC News
6. Louis Pasteur – Microbiology, Germ Theory, Pasteurization | Britannica
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Danuta Hulajko is a Naturopath, international speaker and the founder & practitioner at the DH Natural Medicine Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au in the Southern Highlands
Danuta specialises in Allergies, Anti-Aging, Auto-Immune Conditions, Cardiovascular Conditions, Female Reproductive, Long Covid, Menopause, Mould Toxicity, Skin Conditions, Stress and Insomnia and Thyroid Dysfunction.
