Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can lead to severe illness, particularly in older adults and infants. RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can progress to more serious conditions like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, especially in vulnerable populations.

The podcast episodes provided focus on the recent development of RSV vaccines, which have evaded scientists for over 60 years. These newly available vaccines are crucial for preventing severe RSV infections in older adults and at-risk individuals, whose weakened immune systems make them more susceptible to serious complications from the virus.