New Approaches to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention and Treatment

There have been several recent advances in the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in older adults and young children. Three different vaccines are now approved for use in older adults; one of these vaccines is also approved for use in pregnant individuals for the prevention of LRTD due to RSV in their infants. In addition, a new monoclonal antibody is available to prevent RSV LRTD in infants born during or entering their first RSV season and in children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease through their second RSV season. Despite these advances in prevention efforts, specific antiviral treatment options for RSV infection remain limited. Several promising compounds remain in development.