Previously, vaccines have only been available for the general population for Influenza but now there are also multiple vaccines for SARS-CoV-2, including two mRNA methods, one protein subunit vaccine, and viral vector vaccine. As mentioned previously, there is a vaccine for Adenovirus types 4 and 7 but these vaccines are only available to military personnel.
Since various strains of Influenza can circulate each year and mutations can occur through antigenic drifts, it is suggested that Influenza vaccinations be administered annually. The vaccine components are reviewed annually and updated as needed based on surveillance of circulating viruses as well as how well the previous vaccine protected against infections.
The anti-viral medicine that can be used to treat Influenza infections includes oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza). In addition, palivizumab is recommended to be given monthly as a prophylaxis for RSV in high-risk children. Palivizumab (Synagis) is an antiviral monoclonal antibody treatment that is used to prevent serious lung infections caused by RSV. There are currently five monoclonal antibodies that have received Emergency Use Authorization for treating SARs-CoV-2. Other respiratory viruses are not generally treated with these anti-viral medications and supportive treatments for symptoms are usually indicated in severe cases.
