1. Ask Your Doctor About Antibodies
While there isn't yet a vaccine available to prevent respiratory syncytial virus outright, your doctor does have access to specially formulated antibodies. You or your child can get preventative antibody shots to avoid infection during times of the year when RSV activity is highest.
There are two different antibodies you can take. The RSV-IGIV is a direct antibody, and there's also an anti-RSV humanized murine monoclonal alternative. Your doctor will be able to help you select the one that's right for you or your child. You should know that the antibodies do not protect against infection. Rather, they are given as a measure to reduce the risk of high-risk individuals developing serious cases of RSV if infection does occur.
2. Implement Proper Contact Precautions
The respiratory syncytial virus spreads much the same way the common cold does, so you can decrease your chances of contracting it by using the same preventative measures. Proper hand-washing is vital, and you should also avoid sharing utensils, plates, glasses, food and drinks with anyone who might be infected.
The virus is most contagious during its early phase, before the onset of symptoms, so it's not always possible to tell whether someone's infected. Always err on the side of caution during virus season, and especially try to limit your hand-to-hand contact with other people.
3. Prevent the Spread of RSV in Hospitals
Often, patients showing acute or severe symptoms of RSV infection will be sequestered in a hospital environment to contain the virus. Health care professionals will observe strict transmission prevention practices, including wearing gowns, gloves and face masks and practicing diligent hand-washing. If your child is hospitalized with a case of RSV, there may be visitation limitations in place to prevent you from contracting and spreading the virus.
