39. Is RSV Just a Kid Illness?

Every fall and winter we see a lot of RSV in the ER. Most people recover at home, but very young babies and older adults can get seriously ill. This episode covers what RSV is, who is most at risk, when to go to the ER and what has changed in prevention for both ends of that age spectrum. What to Expect What RSV is, when we see it and why you can get it more than once Why babies are so vulnerable and why most hospitalized infants were previously healthy What severe RSV looks like in older adults, including how it can tip heart and lung conditions over the edge When to go to the ER: the signs to watch for in babies and in older adults What treatment looks like at home, and why antibiotics and puffers usually aren't the answer Protecting babies: RSV vaccination in pregnancy and long-acting antibodies (nirsevimab and clesrovimab) Protecting adults: who is recommended to get an RSV vaccine, whether it's an annual shot and what we know about safety A rapid-fire myth round and our Prescription for Health takeaways Thank You to Our Sponsor Thank you to FIGS, our season sponsor. Use code FIGSDOCTALK at wearfigs.com for 20% off your first order. Resources National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Summary of updated guidance to protect infants and children from RSV disease (2026) National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Summary of updated guidance on RSV vaccines for older adults and adults at high risk of severe RSV disease (2026) Public Health Agency of Canada, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide Garegnani L et al., Monoclonal antibodies for prevention of RSV infection in children, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2025 Lopes A et al., Changes in hospital admissions associated with pediatric RSV after the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, CMAJ 2026 Tuite AR et al., Respiratory syncytial virus vaccination strategies for older Canadian adults: a cost-utility analysis, CMAJ 2024 Publicly funded RSV programs differ by province and territory, so check with your local public health authority, prenatal provider, family doctor or pharmacist about what's offered where you live. Disclaimer: The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak with your own healthcare provider about questions related to your personal health needs.