Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus of the Paramyxoviridae family. Worldwide, HRSV represents the leading cause of respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. Approximately up to 70% of infants are infected during their first year of life. Recently, an increasing number of reports have described the causal association of HRSV with several respiratory infections in adult patients. Serious illnesses have been documented in especially immunocompromised hosts or in individuals revealing immunosuppressive treatment regimes. Viable options for the prevention or treatment of HRSV infections are limited. Current guidelines do no contain specific recommendations for the causal treatment of HRSV infections. Immunoprophylactic and hygienic measures represent the most effective strategies for prevention of disease.