Prevention
Researchers have been working toward an respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine since the 1950s but no vaccine is yet licensed for use. The best way to prevent RSV is good hygiene and infection-control practices, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water and avoiding sharing food, cups, or utensils with infected people. Using hand disinfectants will also kill the virus.
Infants at high risk for serious RSV infection or complications may be given Synagis (palivizumab), a therapy that has been shown to neutralize RSV, reduce infection rates, and reduce the severity of RSV infections. Synagis requires monthly, doctor-administered injections throughout the entire RSV season because each injection confers protection for just 30 days.