As all of us know, this has been a rough flu season.  Last Monday, for instance, 87 children came through the doors of our office -- a practice record.  A few of these were there to receive what's left of our vaccine stash; most were simply not feeling well.  Reports in the media and from the Department of Health have made parents understandably anxious.  Thankfully, it seems we're moving past the peak and integrative approaches to flu management continue to appear.  Very few of our patients have actually needed admission. 

Although the incidence of rota-virus (a nasty winter GI malady) has fallen, reports of noro-virus  have been increasing.  If your family has already been victimized by influenza, it may be a bit more vulnerable to the vomiting and diarrhea bug.  What can you do if your child is affected?  Vomiting in small children for more than a few hours typically needs medical attention -- contact our office.  Diarrhea, on the other hand, can often be managed at home with the suggestions cited here. 

As if influenza and the stomach bug weren't bad enough, yet another critter to be on the watch for in the coming weeks is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). In fact, this germ is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants in winter. Because of the pronounced wheeze and tight cough it typically causes, doctors often reach for asthma medicines to manage it. But the results tend to be mediocre.

An herbal option that seems to have some research supporting its efficacy is thyme oil - alone or in combination with ivy leaf extract. The commercial product that we're most familiar with (we stock it in our apothecary since it's pretty hard to find in local stores) is Bronchipret. It's labeled for use down to age two, but in certain instances, both parent and doctor might feel comfortable using it at a somewhat younger age. Kids seem to give the taste mixed reviews.