Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was initially isolated in 1956. Since
then it has become recognized as a major pathogen worldwide. It is a
ubiquitous pathogen that produces seasonal epidemics. Primary infection
occurs in children before 2 years of age. In older children and adults, RSV
usually manifests itself as an upper respiratory tract infection. In
immunecompromised patients, those with underlying cardiopulmonary disorders,
premature infants, and other vulnerable individuals, RSV infection can
produce severe bronchiolitis or pneumonia. In recent years we have observed
exciting new information about the prevention of serious RSV infection in
high-risk infants including infection control practices, active immunity and
passive immunity. Two immunoprophylaxis products (RSV i.v. immune globulin
and palivzumab) have been developed for clinical use in the prevention of
serious RSV infection. Many other agents including vaccines, super
monoclonal antibodies, and antivirals are under development. Although
clinicians now have the ability to provide their most vulnerable patients
with meaningful prevention strategies, much more needs to be done before we
can regard RSV as a preventable disease.
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND
MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
"A foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of truth."
-- Albert Einstein, letter to a friend, 1901
"I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves, and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education."
-- Thomas Jefferson, letter to William C. Jarvis, September 28, 1820
"What's the point of vaccination if it doesn't protect you from the unvaccinated?"
-- Sandy Gottstein
"Who gets to decide what the greater good is and how many will be sacrificed to it?"