Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Infants and Young Children

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects nearly all children by age 2 years and is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants and young children. Most children present with mild, cold-like disease, but susceptible individuals may develop severe disease. No vaccine is available for prevention of RSV in infants and children; however, in high-risk patients, immunoprophylaxis with the monoclonal antibody palivizumab may be considered during RSV season. RSV treatment remains largely supportive in nature, including fever control, rehydration, nutritional support, secretion clearance, and oxygen support, if needed. Antiviral therapy may be considered in patients with severe disease. Pharmacists have a key role in identifying candidates for palivizumab during RSV season and providing education on nonpharmacologic preventive measures that can be undertaken to lessen the spread of RSV.