RSV is a severe respiratory childhood infection that affects about 64 million infants worldwide and can cause serious health complications. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or specific treatment that will keep one immune from this condition.
However, the following self-care procedures can greatly alleviate its symptoms…
1. Declog Airways
Bulb syringes and saline nose drops/sprays help with nasal congestion and runny noses. The nasal drops slim down the mucus, while bulb syringes remove them completely. Older kids may want to use a nasal spray before blowing their noses.
These provide a quick-fix remedy…
2. Use Over-The-Counter Medication
Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen may help dissipate symptoms like headaches and fever. The latter, however, should not be given to infants aged below six months old without a doctor’s prescription.
But these give a better, more substantial effect…
3. Take Prescription Shots
Palivizumab is an FDA-approved drug that can prevent severe RSV infections and protect high-risk babies and older children from serious complications. Infants at high risk may be given a monthly dosage, especially when RSV cases are high.
Make the air at home comfortable and relaxing…
4. Keep Air Moist
If the air inside your house is dry, use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer to moisten the air and help ease congestion and coughing, making breathing easier. Be sure to clean your humidifier now and then to avoid bacteria and mold growth.
Being properly hydrated is key…
5. Drink Fluids
Infants should continue breastfeeding or bottle-fed as usual, while older children and adults should always drink water regularly. Drinking warm fluids, such as tea or soup, helps unclog the nose and eases mucus secretion.
Keeping your distance definitely has its benefits…
6. Avoid Exposure
Exposing infants to people might seem harmless, but it can put them at risk of various infections. So as much as possible, limit the baby’s contact with anyone who might have colds or illnesses, as these could trigger a flare-up.
A clean environment creates a healthy existence…
7. Clean Your Surroundings
Make sure to keep your house’s surroundings clean, especially tables and doorknobs. Toys should also be regularly disinfected, especially if shared with other kids, to avoid possible infections.
Here’s another good reason to avoid cigs…
8. Avoid Cigarette Smoke
Stay away from all kinds of smoking since these can aggravate symptoms. Babies exposed to cigarette smoke are at an increased risk of getting a severe form of RSV, so as much as possible, keep your smoking activities outside or avoid them altogether.
This one small habit can spare you from a lot of trouble…
9. Wash Your Hands Frequently
Having clean, sanitized hands is essential now more than ever. Make sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap or any alcohol-based sanitizer before you touch or hold babies, as well as your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Nature always has something up its sleeve…
10. Alternative Remedies
According to research findings made by Korean scientists, red ginseng extract, thanks to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, can treat and prevent the risk of RSV and even stimulate the body against influenza.
