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Helen DeVos

Helen DeVos Children's Hospital
100 Michigan Street NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
616.391.9000


What's Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Say: RES-per-eh-tor-ee sin-SISH-ul VY-rus

RSV is an infection of the lungs and breathing passages caused by a virus. It's common in little kids and is very contagious.

When babies get RSV, it can make it hard for them to breathe. Older kids who get RSV usually just have the same symptoms as a cold. Kids who have RSV need to rest and drink lots of fluids to get better.