Respiratory syncytial virus

From Freepedia

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV or RS virus) causes a common viral infection of infants and young children. For most children, RSV produces only mild symptoms, often indistinguishable from common colds and minor illnesses. For some children, however, RSV can cause bronchiolitis, leading to severe respiratory illness requiring hospitalization and, rarely, causing death. This is more likely to occur in patients that are immunocompromised or infants born prematurely.

Anecdotally, RSV is also associated with childhood wheezing and asthma.

Treatment

Currently there are no vaccines in production for RSV infection. However, a moderately effective prophylactic drug is available for infants at high risk. This drug is a monoclonal antibody directed against RSV proteins. Ribavirin is used for treatment.