What is considered the mainstay of treatment for RSV?

The mainstay of treatment for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection is the administration of humidified oxygen. RSV is a significant cause of respiratory illness, especially in infants and young children, leading to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The primary concern during an RSV infection is maintaining adequate oxygenation, as these patients can develop significant hypoxemia due to airway inflammation, mucus production, and resultant airway obstruction.

Providing humidified oxygen helps to ensure that the air the patient breathes is more comfortable and can assist in loosening secretions, facilitating easier breathing. This supportive therapy is crucial for managing the effects of RSV, particularly in severe cases where respiratory distress can lead to the need for hospitalization.

Other treatment options, such as antibiotics, are not effective against viral pathogens like RSV. Bronchodilators may be used at times to relieve wheezing or respiratory distress, but their efficacy is generally limited in viral infections such as RSV. Antiviral medications specific to RSV do exist, such as ribavirin, but are not typically used as a first-line treatment and are reserved for severe cases or immunocompromised patients.

Thus, providing humidified oxygen remains the primary supportive treatment to address the respiratory complications associated with RSV.