Swine flu precautions preventing RSV

PHOENIX - We may be killing two birds with one stone. All of the precautions we have been taking to avoid the swine flu may be protecting us from something else.

It's called Respiratory Sinsitial Virus. It causes lung problems and can lead to respiratory failure in infants.

"It's a problem that occurs throughout our community, and during this time of year causes a heavy burden on the intensive care units for children," said Dr. Robert Fromm.

Fromm said it is similar to the flu in that it is contagious and can be shared from person to person.

Also like the flu, Fromm says you avoid contracting it by washing your hands often and keeping people home if they are sick. He thinks because of the swine flu attention, RSV has not shown up yet.

"Maybe some of the safeguards we have used to keep us from getting H1N1 have decreased the amount of transmission of RSV," Fromm said.

Fromm still believes RSV will show up sometime this year but does not know how bad it will be.