What is RSV?

A common virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a viral disease of the lungs that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. RSV spreads through coughing, sneezing, contaminated surfaces and close contact with someone infected with RSV. In North America, RSV season is typically between late fall or early winter and lasts until spring. The virus affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts and can cause more severe infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. By the age of two, most children have been infected with RSV. Some babies, or those with lung or heart problems have a high risk of getting very sick if they catch RSV. Older adults are also more prone to develop severe RSV. The pharmaceutical drug that is typically used in a severe case of RSV is Ribavirin which is an antiviral drug. However, there are ongoing concerns about its effectiveness, side effects, and high cost.

How can homeopathy help?

Fortunately, there are many homeopathic remedies that are very useful with RSV. Having these on hand and knowing when and how to administer these remedies will give you peace of mind.

What are the symptoms of RSV

• Rapid breathing
• Fever
• Wheezing or rattling cough when breathing
• Severe drowsiness and lethargy
• Possible bluish hue to skin from lack of oxygen

Top Homeopathic Remedies for RSV

• Antimonium Tartaricum 30C: Audible, rattling cough with mucous in the chest, more common in babies. This remedy helps to empty the bronchial tubes so there may be vomiting of mucus. It may sound like the child is drowning in mucus and the mucous is thick and hard to cough up. There is marked weakness and fatigue.

• Ipecacuanha (Ipecac) 30C: This is a cough that ends in gagging, retching, or vomiting. Thick, hard to expel mucus that comes up into the throat and triggers a gag reflex. More common in toddlers. You would differentiate this remedy and Antimonium Tart by the absence of rattling mucous in the chest.

• Pulsatilla: Wet/junky sounding cough, whiny/crying child, yellow or green mucus with cough – or a very runny nose that is yellow/green with a wet, juicy cough. Cough is worse in warm room and is etter in fresh air with gentle motion.

Administer these remedies every 20-30 minutes for at least 5-6 doses and if there is no noticeable improvement, try the next most indicated remedy or call your homeopath.

If you find yourself running into persistent or recurring issues, book an appointment so we can get you on the path to lasting healing.