Pediatric pulmonary protection for respiratory syncytial virus

Abstract

R syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of childhood respiratory illness worldwide.1 Nearly all children will become infected with the virus by age 2 years.1 The majority of children who become infected with RSV will only experience acute upper respiratory symptoms (e.g., fever, congestion, runny nose); however, a small subset of “at-risk” individuals will suffer more severe disease.1 Severe disease may lead to hospitalization and/or long-term pulmonary complications, such as recurrent wheezing or asthma.1 In the United States alone, it is estimated that up to 125,000 children under age 1 year are hospitalized due to an RSV-associated illness each year.2 Similar to infl uenza, RSV has a peak season for outbreaks. In the United States, this timeframe typically falls between November and April, but slight variations occur annually based on the geographic region of focus.2 For example, during the 2011–12 season, initial RSV cases were identifi ed as early as midAugust (Florida) and persisted through midJanuary (Kansas City).2 Florida and Puerto Rico have documented confi rmed RSV activity yearround in past seasons.3 Familiarization with the months associated with a specifi c region’s RSV season is important for recommending preventive therapy to qualifying patients.