What to know about RSV vaccine candidates and monoclonal antibodies

(The Hill) There are currently no vaccines for the surging virus and only one limited treatment option, but several products aiming to prevent severe disease are in development. RSV, which stands for respiratory syncytial virus, is surging in number of cases and hospitalizations in young patients across the country.  RSV can cause severe clinical problems in infants, particularly those under six months of age. It can also cause severe disease in older adults. “We’re just full up with RSV,” said pediatrician Janet Englund at the Seattle Children’s Hospital.  October 31 was the busiest new patient arrival day in the past 5 years in the Seattle Children’s emergency department, according to a representative of the hospital. Fifty percent of the patients visiting the emergency department had respiratory issues. Approximately 35 percent of those patients tested positive for RSV.