Atlanta pediatrician discusses new RSV treatment following FDA approval

July 25th, 2023

This electron microscope image provided by the National Institutes of Health shows human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) virions, colorized blue, and anti-RSV F protein/gold antibodies, colorized yellow, shedding from the surface of human lung cells. Americans 60 and older can get a new RSV vaccine but should discuss it with their doctor first, U.S. health officials recommended Thursday, June 29, 2023. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH via AP, File)

Dr. Andi Shane, the chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at Emory University School of Medicine and the medical director of infectious disease at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, says Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes respiratory infection.

Shane says most people recover from the upper airway disease that causes mild cold symptoms, but older adults and children are most vulnerable.

Dr. Andi Shane, the chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at Emory University’s School of Medicine and the medical director of infectious disease at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, discusses the FDA’s latest approval of a new antibody injection used to treat RSV in infants and toddlers. (Courtesy of Dr. Andi Shane)

“For some younger children who have smaller airways, the virus can then go deeper into the lungs and cause problems because the airways are really small and it’s difficult for children to really deal with the virus,” explained Shane. “Also, on the other end of the age spectrum are older adults who also may have difficulty controlling the virus and, therefore, it goes into their lower airways and lungs.”

RSV became a major health concern in 2022, with children’s hospitals across the country seeing large numbers of pediatric patients.

On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” the veteran pediatrician told show host Rose Scott that there are two known RSV strains and the virus is transmitted with close personal contact.

During the conversation, Shane also further explained current treatment and prevention options for RSV and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s latest approval of a new antibody injection used to treat the virus in infants and toddlers.