What is the mainstay treatment for RSV infection?

The primary treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is supportive care, particularly with the use of humidified oxygen. RSV is a common viral infection that predominantly affects infants and young children, causing bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In most cases of RSV, the focus is on providing supportive management to help the patient recover because there is no specific antiviral treatment that effectively alters the course of the disease.

Supportive care includes ensuring the patient is well-hydrated, providing supplemental oxygen if necessary, and maintaining adequate airway clearance. The use of humidified oxygen can help alleviate respiratory distress by keeping the airways moist, reducing secretions, and easing the work of breathing. This approach is vital, especially in younger patients who may struggle with added respiratory symptoms.

While antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, they do not have any role in treating viral infections like RSV, which explains why they are not a mainstay treatment. Corticosteroids may be used in some cases of severe wheezing or asthma exacerbations but are not standard for RSV, as their benefits in viral infections are limited. Antiviral medications are available for certain viral infections but are not typically indicated for RSV. Therefore, supportive care, including the use of humidified oxygen