Preventing Spread of Rsv in Hospitalized Infants

A number of methods may be employed to prevent the spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), including simple hand washing, screening of visitors to neonatal ICUs, and appropriate isolation and cohorting of infected infants. These standards of care must also be transferred to the home. Treatments such as acetaminophen, bronchodilators, and the antiviral agent, ribavirin, are available to treat symptoms of infection. Pharmacological prophylaxis with palivizumab and RSV intravenous immunoglobulin may be used in specific atrisk patients. Research to prevent and treat RSV infection is ongoing; preventive agents in development, such as the monoclonal antibody motavizumab and the vaccine MEDI-534, hold promise for reducing infection-related morbidity and mortality. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection can cause significant illness and even death, especially in preterm infants. Therefore, it is important to implement integrated approaches and action plans for preventing the spread of RSV in the hospital and at home.