Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, and very contagious, virus that infects the respiratory tract of most children before their second birthday.

The chance of severe infection is greatest for:

🔽Babies born prematurely.

🔽Children younger than 2 who were born with hemodynamicaly signficant heart or lung disease.

🔽Infants and young children whose immune systems are weakened due to illness or medical treatment.

🔽Children under 8 to 10 weeks old.

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💡There is no vaccine againest RSV but a drug called palivizumab (SYNAGIS® ).☆☆☆

💡Palivizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody.

💡may prevent RSV infections and protect high-risk babies from serious complications of RSV infection.

💡monthly shot of this medication during peak RSV season (usually starts in the fall and continues into spring).

💡Synagis is supplied as a solution at 50 or 100 mg per mL to be administered by intramuscular injection.

💡Dose: 15mg/kg/dose with a maximum of 5 months.

💡Neonates who are qualified for RSV prophylaxis may be given first dose 48 to 72 hours before hospital discharge or promptly after discharge.

💡first injection of SYNAGIS is given before the RSV season starts, to help protect them before RSV becomes active.

💡 SYNAGIS is continued monthly until the end of RSV season.

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✔Indications:

🔽Infants with a history of premature birth (less than or equal to 35 weeks gestational age) and who are 6 months of age or younger at the beginning of RSV season.

🔽Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD) that required medical treatment within the previous 6 months and who are 24 months of age or younger at the beginning of RSV season.

🔽Infants with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD) and who are 24 months of age or younger at the beginning of RSV season.

🔽May be considered in the second year of life ONLY in patients with CLD of prematurity who still require medical therapy, such as chronic corticosteroids, diuretics, or supplemental oxygen, during the 6-month period before the second RSV season begins .

🔽Children with anatomic pulmonary abnormalities or neuromuscular disease: Consider prophylaxis during first year of life if condition impairs clearance of secretions from upper airway.

🔽Profoundly immunocompromised and younger than 24 months: Consider prophylaxis during RSV season.