Management and Prevention Strategies for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Bronchiolitis in Infants and Young Children: A Review of Evidence-Based Practice Interventions

Transmission

RSV is highly contagious and is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory secretions and indirect inoculation from contaminated surfaces. RSV can live on countertops for 30 hours and on clothes or hands for less than 1 hour (CDC, 2001; Linzer & Guthrie, 2003). Such sustainability enables the virus to spread easily in households and daycare centers (CDC, 2001). Children who attend daycare, live in crowded conditions, live with a family member who smokes, have a chronic illness, or were born premature are at highest risk for the development of RSV infection (Linzer & Guthrie, 2003). Preventive measures include frequent handwashing, avoiding contact with adults and children with symptoms of upper respiratory infections (URI), and preventing sick children from attending daycare or school until URI symptoms have resolved. Prophylaxis with palivizumab and intravenous RSV immune globulin for high risk infants should be considered (AAP, 2003).

Pediatr Nurs. 2003;29(6) © 2003  Jannetti Publications, Inc.