What is the treatment for common respiratory viral disease?
Infection without complications will usually subside in 2-5 days. Bacterial complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, and sinusitis may require antibiotics. Children with RSV may be given ribavirin. Amantadine is effective in the treatment of influenza A, but not B. Both amantadine and ribavirin are antiviral agents and must be administered early in the infection to be effective. How can infection with common viral respiratory diseases be prevented? Good personal hygiene, such as covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing, sanitary disposal of discharges from mouth and nose, and frequent hand-washing will help prevent transmission. Vaccines for influenza are developed each year in accordance to the three predominant subtypes anticipated. It is difficult to construct a vaccine for a constantly changing virus. Currently available vaccines do, however, significantly reduce the risk of influenza infection and are specifically recommended each year for persons who are at greatest ri
