Elderberry and RSV - The Science Behind It.

As COVID restrictions loosen around the country, we are starting to see the spread of other virus's spike. This is an expected progression as immune systems have been suppressed for over a year (unless you have been taking your Elderberry Boost :) ). One such virus that has been spreading recently is RSV.

Did you know? RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in children under 1. Babies under 1 are 16x more likely to be hospitalized for RSV compared to the flu. Adults and older kids can catch it too. RSV is spread through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of infected people when they cough or sneeze. It also can remain on hard surfaces for several hours. 

Let's dive into RSV a little further and see how Elderberry Boost can help prevent, or weaken symptoms.

RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and is a respiratory infection that produces cold-like symptoms such as:

• Runny nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

RSV is typically not fatal, but can be serious for young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. However, RSV is a pre-cursor to more serious infections, and can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

RSV is contagious and can be spread via cough/sneezes, surfaces, and direct contact with an infected person. An infected person is contagious for 3-8 days, but those with a compromised immune system can be contagious for up to 4 weeks. 

 

How can Elderberry Boost help?

Currently, the only vaccine available for RSV is only available to high-risk populations, and costs more than $1,000 per dose. Therefore, the best defense is a strong immune system. Not only does a strong immune system help your body fight off RSV, and potentially prevent it all together, it also helps reduce the length of time an infected person is contagious. This obviously helps slow the spread and reduces the potential for loved ones to get infected as well.

If you take elderberry regularly, you know it is one of nature's best immune boosters. It is clinically proven to activate immune systems and help keep your body fighting off germs. 

In addition to it's immune boosting properties, elderberry is also known for aiding specifically in respiratory infections. As noted in this clinical study posted by the National Library of Medicine, Elderberry is an effective and safe alternative to traditional over-the-counter medications and anti-biotics. Not only can you achieve positive results with nature-based products, a secondary benefit is the possible prevention of antibiotic misuse. 

 

Summary

RSV can produce uncomfortable, annoying symptoms, and be easily spread throughout families/friends. As we are just starting to return to normal across the world, the last thing we want is another reason to avoid seeing people or going to our favorite spots. In some cases, RSV can be more serious and even lead to more severe respiratory symptoms such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Elderberry Boost can help as a natural immune booster, and proven respiratory support as supported by several clinical studies. 

We recommend taking elderberry once daily to keep your immune system at peak performance. However, if you do get sick, take Elderberry Boost every 2-4 hours until better. Elderberry Boost offers both honey and honey-free options of elderberry syrup.

 

Stay Boosted,

Vanessa