Viral Survival

Parents, including myself, wonder what happened last year. Why were there so many hospitalizations? A coincidence of several factors may have created the perfect viral storm.

Our immune systems need exposure to viruses to protect us from infection. Lower levels of infections through the pandemic may have decreased our resistance to infection, a concept known as “immunity debt.”

When kids returned to activities last fall, rates of common illnesses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surged. An early and robust flu season, ongoing COVID infections, and shortages of pain and fever medicine for children all contributed to more pediatric hospital admissions.

Virus basics

Unlike bacteria, viruses lack their own cellular structure. Viruses are simply strands of genetic material that hijack other cells to drive ongoing replication and spread. The upshot of this sabotage is that virally infected cells look just like our own cells.

Drugs such as antibiotics, which work by targeting the differences between bacterial and healthy cells, are completely ineffective against viruses.

Antiviral medications do exist for the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 but benefit only those at high risk of complications. For most people, our immune systems are the ones doing the heavy lifting of clearing infection and restoring health. Supporting immune function is the key to coping with viral infections.

How to avoid going viral

Meyer highlights the importance of healthy habits, mental health, and nutrient testing for infection prevention.

Sleep

Sleep has a significant role in immunity; over the pandemic, families reported later bedtimes and more screen time. Bedtime screen use disturbs sleep, and poor sleep can lead to more infections. Reinforcing bedtime routines and limiting nighttime access to devices can build immunity.

Movement

Movement is the perfect immune system primer. In a study of preschoolers, kids moving less had more frequent and more severe infections. Exercise also improves sleep quality, providing indirect but important immune effects. Get kids (and yourself) out and moving daily.

Diet

Diet matters. Children who eat more fruits and vegetables get fewer infections. Lockdowns saw kids consuming more sugary drinks and snacks, which hamper immune function. “If you are having something daily,” advises Meyer, “it becomes your diet, not a treat.” Snack on healthy foods with your kids to tune up your immune system and theirs.

Mental health

Anxiety and depression have doubled among kids and teens since 2019, and Meyer sees this first-hand. Emotional distress impairs the immune system and has impacts on food choices, sleep patterns, and exercise. Poor mental health cuts kids off from these essential immune supports. Reach out for support if mental health challenges are present in your family.

Nutrient deficiencies

Nutrient deficiencies can undermine immunity. One teen patient seeing Meyer had COVID on five separate occasions. Meyer tested her vitamin D level and uncovered a profound deficiency. Since starting on appropriate supplementation, the teen has not had COVID again. Low stores of iron and zinc can also reduce resistance to infection. Get your kids checked for deficiencies if they’re having recurrent infections.

Supporting your child through infection

When children do get sick (and they will), supportive treatments allow your immune system and your child to recover well.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a favourite of Meyer’s, owing to its simplicity and effectiveness in symptom management. Steam from a shower (with or without an essential-oil based “steamer”) can ease breathing. Gargling with salt water can soothe a sore throat while cool cloths and lukewarm baths can reduce discomfort from fever. Sinus rinses can help clear nasal passages of congestion.

An onion a day …

A traditional remedy for ear pain involves wrapping a cut and steamed onion in cloth and placing it over the affected ear. While this won’t cure infection, many grateful parents have thanked Meyer for this soothing solution. Chopped, steamed onion can also be wrapped and applied to congested chests to loosen mucus.

Honey

Honey has been used as a food and medicine for more than 8,000 years and has well-documented antiviral properties. Studies have found that taking honey may reduce cough in children as effectively as some medications.

Note: do not give honey to children under one year of age.

Elderberry

Elderberry syrup is another favourite for Meyer. She encourages families to try simple recipes to make this treatment at home. Elderberry syrup reduces respiratory symptoms, and the honey base is a hit with many kids.

When to get help

While many infections can be managed at home, urgent care is needed in the following cases.

• difficulty breathing or blue lips
• dehydration (not urinating, dry lips)
• pain that doesn’t improve with medication
• seizure
• fever in kids 12 weeks or younger

If your parental spidey-senses tell you that something is not right, take your child to hospital. Less urgent care is suggested in cases where symptoms haven’t improved after a few days.

In recent years, we’ve avoided infection at all costs. Viral infections are a fact of childhood and can support future immunity. Prioritizing physical and emotional supports and planning for effective symptom management will help our children and our immune systems to thrive through virus season.