Which medication is given to high-risk preterm infants to prevent infection from RSV?

Which medication is given to high-risk preterm infants to prevent infection from RSV?

• A. Palivizumab (Synagis)
• B. Ribavirin
• C. Interferon
• D. Oseltamivir

Answer: (A)

The main concept is preventing RSV illness in high‑risk preterm infants with a passive immunization approach. Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody given by monthly injections during RSV season to provide immediate protection by binding the RSV F protein and neutralizing the virus, which reduces hospitalization risk. It is used specifically for prophylaxis, not as a vaccine that stimulates the infant’s own immune response. Ribavirin is an antiviral used to treat RSV infections in certain hospitalized infants, not for routine prevention. Interferon isn’t a standard RSV prophylaxis. Oseltamivir targets influenza, not RSV. Therefore, Palivizumab is the best choice for preventing RSV infection in these high‑risk infants.

The main concept is preventing RSV illness in high‑risk preterm infants with a passive immunization approach. Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody given by monthly injections during RSV season to provide immediate protection by binding the RSV F protein and neutralizing the virus, which reduces hospitalization risk. It is used specifically for prophylaxis, not as a vaccine that stimulates the infant’s own immune response.

Ribavirin is an antiviral used to treat RSV infections in certain hospitalized infants, not for routine prevention. Interferon isn’t a standard RSV prophylaxis. Oseltamivir targets influenza, not RSV. Therefore, Palivizumab is the best choice for preventing RSV infection in these high‑risk infants.