Respiratory syncytial virus--is it preventable?

Respiratory syncytial virus infection spreads readily among hospital wards, nurseries and intensive care units. Careful handwashing is the cornerstone in the prevention of nosocomial transmission. Use of rapid diagnostic tests permits the cohorting of patients and staff which has been shown to limit the spread in hospital wards. In addition, the use of gowns and gloves and limiting visitors have been recommended. In the future passive immunization with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immune globulin or RSV vaccination may be helpful in high risk patients.