It looks and sounds like a cold, but respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can become something much more. Those at high risk could develop bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
RSV is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children.
The virus causes fever or cough and is highly contagious.
RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations for bronchiolitis in the United States.
The virus infects almost all children at least once before they are two years old.
Fortunately, there are important steps you can take to prevent exposure to RSV and other viruses, especially in the first few months of your child's life.
Dr. Elizabeth Mack, MD, joins Melanie Cole to discuss all the aspects of RSV, as well as how you can protect your little ones from becoming ill.
Selected Podcast
RSV Concerns: More than Just a Cold
Featuring:
Dr. Elizabeth Mack is a pediatric intensivist and director of quality at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital in Columbia, SC. She graduated from Univ of South Carolina School of Medicine, pediatric University of South Carolina pediatric residency program, Cincinnati Children's pediatric critical care fellowship program, and University of Cincinnati with a masters of science. Her interests include medical education, quality improvement, patient safety, and social media. You can follow her on twitter @SC_AAP or Facebook (SC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics). Outside of work, she enjoys running and traveling.
Elizabeth Mack, MD
Dr. Elizabeth Mack is a pediatric intensivist and director of quality at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital in Columbia, SC. She graduated from Univ of South Carolina School of Medicine, pediatric University of South Carolina pediatric residency program, Cincinnati Children's pediatric critical care fellowship program, and University of Cincinnati with a masters of science. Her interests include medical education, quality improvement, patient safety, and social media. You can follow her on twitter @SC_AAP or Facebook (SC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics). Outside of work, she enjoys running and traveling.