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Pulmonology

RSV Clinic

(510) 428-3885, ext. 2914

Virtually every baby at some point or another gets respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. It's the most common respiratory virus in infants and toddlers. Most have symptoms like that of a common cold and suffer no long-term health effects.

But in children born prematurely or with chronic lung or heart disease, RSV can cause serious, even life-threatening complications. Each year, 125,000 infants in the United States are hospitalized with severe RSV infections, making it the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the country. The Pediatric RSV Clinic at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals' Oakland campus was created to protect these high-risk children by providing them with Synagis, an FDA-approved drug that prevents serious lung infections caused by RSV.

Special RSV considerations

  • Because the Synagis shot is not part of the normal immunization program and is considered an antibody against RSV, referral or consultation is required. Ongoing care and monitoring may also be needed.
  • Infants and toddlers at the highest risk for complications related to RSV include those with chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, immunodeficiency disorders, neuromuscular disorders, and those who were born at 32 weeks premature (or before).

Eligibility for the Synagis treatment

Eligibility is dependent on your child's condition and age at the time of the RSV season (November through March). Talk to your doctor to learn the details.

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    Awards & recognition

    • One of the nation's best in pulmonology & lung surgery

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

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    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

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    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

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    We have interpreters for Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, American Sign Language and more.

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