Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages, is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children.In adults, it may only produce symptoms of a common cold, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, fever, and a general feeling of being ill. But in premature babies and kids with diseases that affect the lungs, heart, or immune system, RSV infections can lead to other more serious illnesses.