RSV Concerns: More than Just a Cold




RadioMD (All Shows) show

Summary: RSV symptoms often mimic a common cold, but the complications can be much, much worse.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.