As the cold weather approaches, so does the incidence of RSV, Respiratory Syncytial Virus.  RSV is a viral infection which causes upper respiratory symptoms but is also the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation in the small airways in the lungs) in children. While RSV can affect all ages, the most severe cases are seen in children two and under. RSV is common cause of hospitalizations in children under two due to pneumonia and respiratory distress.  Infants and children infected with RSV will usually show symptoms, such as cough, runny nose or fever, within 4 to 6 days of infection. Typically children will recover in 1 to 2 weeks; however some children may continue to spread the virus for 1 to 3 weeks. The virus is spread when infected individuals cough or sneeze into the air and the infected droplets come in contact with another individual’s mouth, nose or eyes.  RSV is a virus so there is not a “cure” the body will have to fight the infection on its own, however there are symptomatic treatments. Antibiotics are usually not required unless there is an underlying bacterial infection, such as pneumonia.  There is a rapid test which can be done in the clinic to detect RSV, and a CXR can also be obtained to rule out pneumonia in suspected children.