Transmission - RSV is transmitted by hand to nasal or hand to conjunctiva. Patients admitted to the hospital should be on strict contact isolation. In the younger patients the longer the shedding may last.3-4 weeks. Children can have RSV infections more than once but subsequent bouts are usually less severe. Diagnosis Generally a clinical diagnosis and common in Chicago between Dec.-April.
Rapid assays have excellent sensitivity and specificity .
Treatment Oxygen if saturation is low and fluids if the child is dehydrated and intake is poor. May need hospitalization if there is oxygen and IV fluid requirements and parents are unable to care for infant. Currently not used often. Prophylactic use of RSV gammaglobulin- may be useful for infants with BPD or history of prematurity. Monoclonal Antibody that is given monthly during the RSV season.