Last Updated on December 7, 2022 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that colloidal silver can be used as a remedy to treat RSV. We fact checked and found this claim to be Mostly false.
The Claim
An Instagram post reads, “RSV, Cold Flu Remedy.. Colloidal silver Lung Detox.
How to use?
Add 3-5ml of pure undiluted 50-500ppm real silver to nebulizer. Turn on and run for 10-20 min. Babies 5-10 min, kids-10-15min, adults- 20min sessions until liquid is gone. Can be used on babies 3ml birth + use fr 7-14 days.
The caption reads, “YES you can use colloidal Silver on babies birth + pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s safe for ALL ages !”
Fact Check
What is colloidal silver?
Colloidal silver is a term used to describe tiny particles of silver suspended in a liquid. It was earlier used as an over-the-counter drug for various ailments, such as several infections, hay fever, skin conditions, etc., but in September 1999, the FDA ruled that it was not safe to use. It was believed to be extremely useful for wound dressings as well.
What is RSV?
RSV, or Respiratory syncytial Virus, is a common respiratory virus. It causes mild, cold-like symptoms infecting the nose, throat, lungs, and breathing passages. Generally, most people recover within a week or two. However, in cases of infants or older adults, RSV can be serious. This seasonal lung infection is highly contagious.
According to the CDC, it is the most common cause of pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) in children younger than one year of age in the United States.
It spreads either through direct contacts, such as coming in contact with respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, or kissing) from an infected person or indirect contact, such as touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching yourself.
Can colloidal silver treat RSV?
Not exactly. There is a lack of scientific evidence that proves that colloidal silver can treat RSV. The CDC states that there is no specific treatment for RSV infection. However, research is going on to develop vaccines and antivirals (medicines that fight viruses).
A study done on mouse demonstrated that AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) effectively reduce RSV replication and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in epithelial cell lines in mouse lung. Similarly, another study also concluded that PVP-coated (poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) silver nanoparticles seem to be a promising candidate for future RSV treatment research in animal models. However, animal studies are needed to further confirm this result. Also, colloidal silver is regarded as not safe to use and it was banned by FDA to be used to treat any condition or disease. The silver can also impact the healthy cells and while killing the bacteria, it can also lead cause death of normal cells. Therefore, the claim stands false until proven otherwise.
What are the side effects of using colloidal silver?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “The most common is argyria, a bluish-gray skin discoloration, which is usually permanent.” In argyria, the silver deposits may also occur in your intestines, liver, kidneys, and other organs. It further states that it can also cause “poor absorption of some drugs, such as certain antibiotics and thyroxine (used to treat thyroid deficiency).”
Furthermore, in rare cases, its high dose can cause serious side effects, such as neurological impairment, seizures and organ damage. Lastly, if taken in large amounts, it can even cause fatal poisoning.
THIP Media has fact-checked similar claims that stated that colloidal silver is used to treat various ailments and COVID vaccines responsible for increasing RSV cases.
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