Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that affects mainly young children and people with weakened immune systems. Almost everyone is infected by age 2, and it is common to contract RSV multiple times throughout life. The virus can cause mild to severe respiratory illnesses, including coughing, wheezing, fever, and nasal congestion. Spread through respiratory secretions like mucus or saliva, RSV is highly contagious and can be contracted via contact with contaminated surfaces or through close contact with infected individuals. 

Scientists have been after the development of an RSV vaccine for almost six decades. Yet, none have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The underlying reason for the such difficulty in RSV vaccine development was the presence of a shape-shifting f-protein in the virus. Because this protein constantly alters its shape, even after creating a successful RSV vaccine, the antiviral drug would no longer be complementary to the virus after a short while. 

It was only in 2013 that scientists discovered a mechanism to lock the f-protein in one shape. This was a groundbreaking discovery in the market for RSV vaccines, paving the way for pharmaceutical companies like GSK plc and Pfizer to begin developing working vaccines. 

As both companies approached their final and largest clinical trials in the spring of 2021 to approve their RSV vaccines, the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, expected trials were derailed and ultimately delayed the vaccine development plan. With trials resumed once again, both GSK plc and Pfizer are now working towards the final approval of their RSV vaccines. 

While we wait for the vaccinations, symptoms can be alleviated with basic supportive care like rest, hydration, and fever reducers. 

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