How would you treat a patient with respiratory syncytial virus infection?

How would you treat a patient with respiratory syncytial virus infection?

Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two. There is no specific treatment for RSV infection, though researchers are working to develop vaccines and antivirals (medicines that fight viruses).

What medication is given for RSV?

There are currently only two drugs approved for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody for the prevention of RSV in high-risk children and ribavirin is approved for treatment of severe RSV disease, however its effectiveness in improving outcomes is questionable.

How long is hospital stay for RSV?

Only about 3% of children with RSV require a hospital stay. Most children are able to go home from the hospital in two or three days. If you are an older adult and especially if you have a weakened immune system, you may need to be hospitalized if the RSV is severe.

Does a nebulizer help with RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Nebulizers can be an alternative to inhalers. These devices deliver short bursts of medication when a person inhales. Nebulizers deliver medication over a course of time, usually 10 to 15 minutes. They don’t require a baby to cooperate to take the medicine in.

How are respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) infections treated?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Get Help. In most cases, RSV infection will go away on its own, without any special treatment. Most of the time, RSV infection is not treated with antibiotics because antibiotics do not work against viruses. But if your child gets an ear infection associated with RSV, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Can a bronchodilator be used for a RSV infection?

At least a subset of patients with RSV-related lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) appear to benefit from bronchodilator therapy, and a trial with monitoring for effect on respiratory rate, pulse, and oxygenation may be reasonable in selected cases.

When does respiratory syncytial virus peak in NSW?

Infections peak in late autumn or winter in NSW. Almost all children will have been infected by the age of 3 years, but symptoms are often only mild. Recovery from the illness results in immunity to further infection but this is not long-lasting.

What to do if you have RSV infection?

If the RSV infection is severe, a hospital stay may be necessary. Treatments at the hospital may include: The doctor may recommend an inhaled form of an antiviral medicine called ribavirin (Virazole) for people with very weakened immune systems (immunocompromised).

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Get Help. In most cases, RSV infection will go away on its own, without any special treatment. Most of the time, RSV infection is not treated with antibiotics because antibiotics do not work against viruses. But if your child gets an ear infection associated with RSV, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

When to go to the hospital with RSV?

Only about 3% of children with RSV require a hospital stay. Most children are able to go home from the hospital in two or three days. If you are an older adult and especially if you have a weakened immune system, you may need to be hospitalized if the RSV is severe.

Who is at risk for respiratory syncytial virus?

Infants under 6 months of age. Infants born with heart or lung disease. Children and adults with weakened immune systems, including those who have received an organ transplant or those undergoing chemotherapy. Children who have difficulty swallowing or can’t clear mucous. Adults 65 years of age and older.

Are there any laboratory tests for RSV infection?

Clinical Laboratory Testing. Clinical symptoms of RSV are nonspecific and can overlap with other viral respiratory infections, as well as some bacterial infections. Several types of laboratory tests are available for confirming RSV infection.