The invention discloses a use of dithiocarbamate compounds having the structural formula R.sub.1R.sub.2NCS.sub.2H, in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, independently of each other, represent a straight or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, or, with the nitrogen atom, form an aliphatic ring with 4 to 6 C atoms, in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2, or the aliphatic ring is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from OH, NO.sub.2, NH.sub.2, COOH, SH, F, Cl, Br, I, methyl or ethyl, and oxidized forms of these compounds, in particular dimers thereof, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to prepare an agent for treating or preventing an infection by RNA viruses which attack the respiratory tract and cause disease there.