Professor Pollard believes the epidemiology of the virus will eventually return to normal, but said a “transformational” moment is on the horizon when it comes to preventative treatments.
Currently, 20 to 60 vaccines are being developed, as well as monoclonal antibody products, he said.
“Within the next five years we will have tools that will allow us to control these waves of RSV,” he said.
The use of these treatments would “drastically reduce” the pressures on pediatric departments.
“Every winter, since I’ve been a pediatrician, operations are canceled during the RSV season because all the beds are full of babies with this disease. It’s a really big strain on the healthcare system,” he said.
Most serious RSV infections occur in the first few months of life, so giving mothers a preventative vaccine, such as those for whooping cough, would give babies protection right away, he said.
Monoclonal antibodies give the baby the antibodies they need to fight the virus, without having to make them themselves.