Introduction

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia in infants and children under 1 year of age. As a highly contagious respiratory infection, RSV poses a significant burden during annual winter epidemics. Pharmacists play a critical role in RSV management through promotion of preventive strategies, appropriate use of pharmacotherapy, and patient/caregiver education. This subtopic will provide an overview of RSV, with a focus on key aspects for pharmacists. It covers epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prevention of RSV infections. Recent advances include monoclonal antibody prophylaxis and vaccine research.