A newborn's first months or years can be very vulnerable. Because they do not yet have a very strong immune system, bacteria, viruses and other opportunistic organisms can take advantage of this in an infant or newborn. Many neonatal illnesses can occur in a newborn baby. One of these diseases is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). “RSV is an RNA pneumovirus that infects the respiratory epithelial cells of infants” (Bracht et al., 2011, p. 216). RSV was first identified as a human viral pathogen in 1956 (Groothuis, Bauman, Malinoski, & Eggleston, 2008, p.319). The mechanism of action of RSV is that it uses its F glycoprotein on its surface to attach to the host cell and mediates fusion between the virus and the host cell membranes, resulting in the formation of "syncytia" ( Bracht et al., 2011, p.216). RSV begins as an illness affecting the upper respiratory tract but, in approximately twenty to thirty percent of cases, it can then continue to progress to a lower respiratory illness (Todd, Roberg, & Welliver, 2010, p.4). The two main strains of RSV are RSV A and RSV B (Todd et al., 2010, p.3). The main difference between these two strains is the coat proteins of the viral envelope, but it has been hypothesized that RSV A is the main cause of RSV infections in patients (Bracht et al., 2011, p 216). Additionally, the severity and transmissibility of RSV are determined by glycoprotein F and glycoprotein G (Empey et al., 2010, p.1258). As noted previously, the F glycoprotein functions as the initial attachment and mediator of fusion between the virus and the host cell. Glycoprotein G, on the other hand, has been shown to induce lung inflammation (Empey et al., 2010, p.1259). ...... middle of article ...... avoid the spread of RSV and recognize its symptoms. Additionally, the role of the respiratory therapist, in the treatment of RSV, is toSummary: Respiratory syncytial virus is a fatal disease that primarily affects infants, newborns, and children, particularly during the winter months. from November to April. RSV symptoms may initially resemble a mild cold, but can eventually lead to more severe symptoms leading to pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Current treatments for RSV include the administration of Palivizumab for prevention and Ribavirin for the treatment of people already infected with RSV. Although current treatments are few, many other drugs and vaccines are being developed for future use. The role of the respiratory therapist is to diagnose, administer medications, and inform patients and caregivers through patient education..