Preventing Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common illness, particularly in infants and young children. In fact, almost all children have had RSV by the time they are 2 years old.1 Adults can get RSV as well, especially the elderly or people with weak immune systems.

RSV can cause an upper respiratory infection with symptoms similar to those of a cold, such as a runny nose, dry cough, sneezing, fever, and a poor appetite. RSV can also cause a lower respiratory infection such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis.

Most RSV infections are mild and resolve in a week or two. A small percentage of patients get a more severe infection and need to be hospitalized, but this still amounts to between 75,000 and 125,000 children under one year old hospitalized each year.

According to the 2011–12 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, Synagis prophylaxis is recommended for:

  • Children less than two years of age with chronic lung disease.
  • Premature infants who were born at less than 28 weeks’ gestation and who are less than 12 months old at the start of RSV season (October to May).
  • Premature infants who were born between 29 and 32 weeks’ gestation and who are less than six months old at the start of RSV season.
  • Premature infants who were born between 32 and 35 weeks’ gestation and who are less than three months old at the start of RSV season, and who have at least one of the following risk factors: they are attending daycare or they have a sibling less than five years old at home.
  • Certain children who are younger than two years old and have congenital heart disease, such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or cyanotic heart disease.
  • Certain infants born before 35 weeks’ gestation with congenital abnormalities of the airways or neuromuscular disease.

Therapy Support & Medications

There is no specific treatment for RSV. The virus goes away on its own. However, it may be prevented, and the primary goal of RSV prevention is to lower the rate of hospitalization in high-risk pediatric patients. For such patients — including premature infants (born at or before 35 weeks of gestation) and babies with certain types of heart or lung disease — a preventive drug called Synagis® (palivizumab) (manufacturer: MedImmune) may be administered. Synagis is given once a month, starting just before RSV season begins. It is given by injection (shot) into the muscle, usually in the thigh. Each Synagis injection has infection-fighting antibodies that last about 28–30 days, so it is essential to get each shot on the day your healthcare provider recommends. RSV season varies, but is usually between October and May.

Your Partner in Therapeutic Success

CoramRx helps patients succeed with their treatments. To help ensure success with your child's Synagis therapy, you will receive a reminder phone call before each appointment. Your pharmacy team member will ask about your child's weight to help determine your child's next dose. Be sure to ask any questions you may have, including those regarding financial assistance. Your Coram pharmacy team is here to help you.

Patient Resources

The organizations listed below offer a variety of services and resources for consumers and caregivers. Please note that some organizations may charge a fee for access to services. This listing is not an endorsement of these organizations, or information they may disseminate. We strongly suggest that you discuss any information you receive from these organizations with a qualified professional before making any changes in your healthcare, insurance coverage or home care provider.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — RSV Overview

KidsHealth — About RSV

FDA: Disposing Unused Medication — government guidelines for disposing unused medicine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) worked with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop the first consumer guidance for proper disposal of prescription drugs.


Learn More

 

*Please contact CoramRx about other therapies not listed here.

 

References
  1. www.cdc.gov/rsv. Updated March 31, 2010. Accessed November 17, 2011.