Respiratory syncytial virus: what parents need to know this season

R-S-V, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a prevalent respiratory virus that poses significant risks, especially to babies and older adults, and is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations. Dr. Kristin Barrett from Cleveland Clinic Children’s highlights its contagious nature, spreading via respiratory droplets and contact, and its potential to infect the lower respiratory tract, causing severe symptoms like difficulty breathing in vulnerable groups. To mitigate the risk of R-S-V, preventive measures such as handwashing, avoiding sick individuals, and sanitizing surfaces are recommended, alongside an immunization shot available for babies, which offers significant protection for about six months during peak R-S-V season from October to March.