Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that is highly contagious. Most infants have experienced RSV by the time they are 2 years old. However, RSV is not to be taken lightly in young infants and those in high-risk categories. Vulnerable infants with RSV may require hospitalization and ventilator support. This article reviews organizational guidelines for RSV prophylactic therapy, parent education and the role of the nurse in minimizing RSV occurrence.

Program Objectives:
* Identify neonates at high risk for developing severe disease from RSV infections and for whom RSV prophylaxis is recommended.

* Define short and long term outcomes for vulnerable neonates infected with RSV.

* Identify the current controversy about the latest recommendations for RSV prophylaxis..

Faculty Name: Dawn Bolyard, RN, MSN, CNS

Bio:
Dawn Bolyard, RN, MSN is a clinical nurse specialist at the Children’s Pulmonary Center of Mercy Children’s Hospital, in Toledo, Ohio, having received her Masters in Maternal Child Nursing from the University of Toldedo. She has been in practice for over 30 years in the field of pediatrics, with the last 15 years in the specialty of pediatric pulmonary nursing. Dawn is the coordinator of the Synagis Clinic at Mercy Children’s Hospital. She is on the advisory board of the Pediatric Palliative Care Hospital and serves as the Chair for the State of Ohio Asthma Coalition. She may be contacted at Dawn. Bolyard@mhsnr.org.

Program Date: February 2011

Media Format(s): Print (English)

Continuing Education Units: Nurse 1.0 Contact Hour