Respiratory Syncytial Virus, known to most as RSV, is a common respiratory virus that affects children. Amidst a current surge of RSV infections and hospitalizations, we spend this episode reviewing this common virus. We discuss how it is transmitted, the natural course of the illness, which populations are most at risk for severe illness. We review which signs and symptoms warrant evaluation and testing, and which can be monitored at home. We also discuss prophylaxis for high risk babies and hopes for an RSV vaccine in the near future.

This episode written by Dr. Lena van der List and Dr. Dean Blumberg.

Supplemental information:

 Photo from UCSF- RSV