Respiratory vaccine for infants is still a long way off
Viral infections of the lower respiratory tract impose a considerable burden
on healthcare budgets. Van Wonsel and colleagues (p 36)
review their epidemiology, symptoms, and treatment in infectionsin
young children. They conclude that viral lower respiratorytract
infections are mild and self limiting in most cases,and that
treatment is mainly supportive, but varies widelyworldwide. Apart
from influenza vaccine, research into vaccinationhas mainly focused
on respiratory syncytial virus. Althoughprogress has been made,
particularly with live attenuated vaccines,it will be another decade
before routine vaccination is available.
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