{"id":3667550,"date":"2025-06-11T14:07:22","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T18:07:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/?post_type=story&#038;p=3667550"},"modified":"2025-09-23T10:53:22","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T14:53:22","slug":"navigating-rsv-disease-one-familys-journey","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/navigating-rsv-disease-one-familys-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating RSV disease: one family\u2019s journey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"mco-f1-article-hero-block_7e6bda9bb50ea67284bff3e679af62fc\" class=\"mco-f1-article-hero mccberg-block\">\n    <div class=\"mco-f1-article-hero-content-container\">\n        \n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/content_topic\/health-awareness\/\">\n                    <small class=\"tagline default-tagline\">\n                                                Health awareness                    <\/small>\n                <\/a>\n            \n        \n                    <h1>\n                Navigating RSV disease: one family\u2019s journey\n            <\/h1>\n                            <p>As the leading cause of hospitalization for infants in the U.S., respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can progress to severe illness for some babies<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"mco-f1-article-hero-date-container\">\n                    <p class=\"mco-f1-article-hero-date text-descriptive\">June 11, 2025<\/p>\n                <div class=\"mco-f1-article-share-btn-container\">\n                            <p class=\"text-descriptive\">Share this article<\/p>\n                                        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/navigating-rsv-disease-one-familys-journey\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share on Facebook\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\n    <path fill=\"#00857C\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\" d=\"M6.023 16L6 9H3V6h3V4c0-2.7 1.672-4 4.08-4 1.153 0 2.144.086 2.433.124v2.821h-1.67c-1.31 0-1.563.623-1.563 1.536V6H13l-1 3H9.28v7H6.023z\" \/>\n<title>Facebook icon<\/title><\/svg>\n<\/a><\/p>\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=https%3A%2F%2Fvip2-msd.com%2Fmerckcom-migrated%2Fstories%2Fnavigating-rsv-disease-one-familys-journey%2F Navigating RSV disease: one family\u2019s journey\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share on X\">\n<!-- Generator: Adobe Illustrator 27.7.0, SVG Export Plug-In . SVG Version: 6.00 Build 0)  -->\n<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\">\n\n\t.st0{fill:#00857C;}\n\n<path class=\"st0\" fill=\"#00857C\" d=\"M9.5,6.8l5.7-6.6h-1.4L8.8,6l-4-5.8H0.3l6,8.7l-6,7h1.4l5.2-6.1l4.2,6.1h4.6L9.5,6.8L9.5,6.8z M7.6,9L7,8.1\n\tL2.2,1.2h2.1l3.9,5.6l0.6,0.9l5.1,7.3h-2.1L7.6,9L7.6,9z\" \/>\n<title>X icon<\/title><\/svg>\n<\/a><\/p>\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/sharing\/share-offsite\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvip2-msd.com%2Fmerckcom-migrated%2Fstories%2Fnavigating-rsv-disease-one-familys-journey%2F\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share on LinkedIn\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\n    <path fill=\"#00857C\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M15.205 0H.695C.299 0 0 .3 0 .7v14.7c0 .3.298.6.696.6h14.608c.398 0 .696-.3.696-.7V.7c-.1-.4-.398-.7-.795-.7zM4.671 13.6H2.385V6H4.77v7.6h-.1zM3.578 5c-.795 0-1.392-.7-1.392-1.4 0-.8.597-1.4 1.392-1.4.795 0 1.39.6 1.39 1.4-.098.7-.695 1.4-1.39 1.4zm9.938 8.6H11.13V9.9c0-.9 0-2-1.192-2-1.193 0-1.391 1-1.391 2v3.8H6.16V6h2.286v1c.298-.6 1.093-1.2 2.187-1.2 2.385 0 2.782 1.6 2.782 3.6v4.2h.1z\" \/>\n<title>Linkedin icon<\/title><\/svg>\n<\/a><\/p>\n                <p><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Navigating RSV disease: one family\u2019s journey&#038;body=https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/navigating-rsv-disease-one-familys-journey\/ As the leading cause of hospitalization for infants in the U.S., respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can progress to severe illness for some babies\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share via email\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\n    <path fill=\"#00857C\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\" d=\"M16 5.7V14c0 .6-.4 1-1 1H1c-.6 0-1-.4-1-1V5.7l7.5 4.2c.28.14.72.14 1 0L16 5.7zM15 1c.6 0 1 .4 1 1v1.5L8 7.9 0 3.4V2c0-.6.4-1 1-1z\" \/>\n<title>Email icon<\/title><\/svg>\n<\/a><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"mco-f1-article-hero-image-container\">\n        <div class=\"mco-f1-article-image-parent mco-f1-article-hero-toggle-btn\">\n                            <figure class=\"mccberg-figure\">\n                    <picture>\n                        <source\n                                media=\"(max-width: 767px)\"\n                                srcset=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=321 1x,\n                                https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=642 2x,\n                                https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=963 3x\">\n                        <source\n                                media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1199px)\"\n                                srcset=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=656 1x,\n                                https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=1312 2x,\n                                https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=1968 3x\">\n                        <source\n                                media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"\n                                srcset=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=1188 1x,\n                                https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=2376 2x,\n                                https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=3564 3x\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\"\n                                src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=1188\"\n                                srcset=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=1188 1x,\n                                https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=2376 2x,\n                                https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/06\/RSV_ArticleImage-1.png?w=3564 3x\"\n                                alt=\"Mom holding Charlotte\"\n                                loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\n                        \/>\n                    <\/picture>\n\n                                    <\/figure>\n            \n                                            <div class='mco-f1-article-hero-block-play-button btn-play youtube'><\/div><div class='mco-f1-article-hero-block-video-type' style='display: none;'>youtube<\/div><div class='mco-f1-article-hero-block-youtube-id' style='display: none;'>WW7fhzCC3cU<\/div><div class='mco-f1-article-hero-block-brightcove-info' style='display: none;'>:<\/div><div class='mco-f1-article-hero-block-video-accesible-name' style='display: none;'><\/div>                                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"mco-f1-article-hero-modal popup\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <div class=\"popup-wrapper\">\n                <div class=\"mco-f1-article-hero-modal-content popup-content\">\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Caring for a child with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be challenging. New parents Amanda and Jeremy thought they were as prepared as possible for any illness for their daughter Charlotte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"2883\" src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/04\/First-night-in-PICU-2-rotated-e1745941831888.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"women wearing a mask comforting a child in hospital bed\" class=\"wp-image-3668037\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"color: #757575;\">Charlotte&#8217;s first night in the pediatric ICU.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They had an established pediatrician, supportive family and friends and a variety of resources and supplies on hand to help manage symptoms. But they weren\u2019t prepared for Charlotte to progress from having what they initially thought was a cold, with a cough and runny nose, to being admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for RSV at only 7 months old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>RSV is a contagious, widespread seasonal infection and the leading cause of hospitalization for infants under a year old in the U.S. Infants are among the populations most at risk of contracting the severe virus during their first RSV season, which typically starts in the fall and peaks in the winter in most regions of the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Charlotte&#8217;s experience with RSV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCharlotte was a happy, chill baby. When she wasn&#8217;t happy, it was usually a sign that she was about to get sick,\u201d said Amanda, who as a first-time parent hadn\u2019t thought much about RSV up until that point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2798\" height=\"2762\" src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2025\/04\/When-we-found-out-Char-was-going-home-rotated-e1745942252675.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3668042\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"color: #757575;\">On the day Charlotte was cleared to go home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>As Charlotte\u2019s symptoms worsened, their doctor told Amanda and Jeremy what to look out for, mainly retracting or pulling in between and under the ribs, which was a sign of her struggling to breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Amanda and Jeremy were surprised when Charlotte was admitted for difficulty breathing due to RSV and stayed in the pediatric ICU for a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Fortunately, she recovered and Amanda and Jeremy were so appreciative of her medical care. Today, Charlotte is a healthy and happy 3-year-old who loves spending time with her parents and younger brother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Amanda understands that her family&#8217;s experience is unfortunately not unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mco-f12-article-quote-block-block_743b91a9ffa4a52f662f8575bc4d717d\" class=\"mco-f12-article-quote-block article-quote mccberg-block mt-2 mb-2 wrapper-story-narrower\">\n        <div class=\"article-quote__content\">\n                <h2 class=\"text-content\">\n            &quot;I urge all parents to understand the signs and symptoms of RSV so you can be prepared.&quot;         <\/h2>\n        \n                <div class=\"title\">\n            <p>\n                <strong>&#8212; Amanda<\/strong>\n            <\/p>\n            <small class=\"position\"><\/small>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The impact of RSV on infants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>RSV is a common seasonal respiratory infection that can be spread through virus droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s the most common cause of hospitalization in infants under one year old in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common symptoms include a runny nose, fever, coughing and wheezing. While RSV doesn&#8217;t usually cause severe illness, healthy and at-risk infants can develop more severe cases that may lead to illnesses such as bronchiolitis (inflammation in the small airways of the lungs) or pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and may require hospitalization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"154\" height=\"162\" src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2022\/04\/02954_Merck_Icon_Navy_RGB_Doctor.png?w=154\" alt=\"doctor icon\" class=\"wp-image-3597013\"\/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3>It&#8217;s important for caregivers to speak with a health care provider to learn more about RSV and its symptoms.<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:57px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"mco-f3-more-stories-block-block_ad4fad7fd4a9edb38ba244b89cd709cd\" class=\"mco-f3-more-stories-block negative mccberg-block\">\n    <div class=\"mco-f3-stories-container\">\n        <small class=\"tagline\">Discover more stories<\/small>                    <div class=\"mco-f3-stories-slider-container\">\n                                                        <div class=\"mco-f3-story\">\n                        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/understanding-the-health-risks-of-high-ldl-cholesterol\/\">Understanding the health risks of high LDL cholesterol<\/a><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                                                        <div class=\"mco-f3-story\">\n                        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/a-call-to-action-lowering-ldl-cholesterol\/\">A call to action: Lowering LDL cholesterol<\/a><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                                                        <div class=\"mco-f3-story\">\n                        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/hiv-community-advocates-spark-a-global-conversation\/\">HIV community advocates spark a global conversation<\/a><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"mco-f3-stories-slider-controls-container slider-nav\">\n                                    <div class='slider-nav-item active'><\/div>\n                                    <div class='slider-nav-item '><\/div>\n                                    <div class='slider-nav-item '><\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"mco-f3-content-container\">\n            <a class=\"btn secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/\">View all stories<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Caring for a child with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be challenging. New parents Amanda and Jeremy thought they were as prepared as possible for any illness for their daughter Charlotte. Charlotte&#8217;s first night in the pediatric ICU. They had an established pediatrician, supportive family and friends and a variety of resources and supplies on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3669739,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"bdl_company_name":[],"bdl_item_external_link":[],"inpsyde_pem_expiration_date":[],"inpsyde_pem_expiration_action":[],"footnotes":""},"tags":[173],"content_topic":[4],"admin_field":[],"class_list":["post-3667550","story","type-story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-patients-and-caregivers","content_topic-health-awareness"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.9.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Navigating RSV disease: one family\u2019s journey - Merck.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/navigating-rsv-disease-one-familys-journey\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Navigating RSV disease: one family\u2019s journey - Merck.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Caring for a child with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be challenging. 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 |  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a class=\"secondary btn\" href=\"#discovery\">Discovery efforts<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a class=\"secondary btn\" href=\"#stories\">Stories<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  |  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a class=\"secondary btn\" href=\"#careers\">Careers<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<a id=\"research\"><\/a>\n<!-- \/wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/title-block {\"name\":\"acf\/title-block\",\"data\":{\"title\":\"Our research in infectious diseases has led to profound scientific advances\",\"_title\":\"mco_title_block_title\",\"description\":\"\\u003cspan class=\\u0022ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\\u0022 dir=\\u0022ltr\\u0022\\u003eWe\u2019ve been working to combat global health threats caused by infectious diseases for more than a century, which includes pioneering research in HIV science, developing one of the first antibiotics and discovering and developing \\u003ca class=\\u0022fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\\u0022 title=\\u0022https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/vaccines\/\\u0022 href=\\u0022https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/vaccines\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022 aria-label=\\u0022Link vaccines\\u0022\\u003evaccines\\u003c\/a\\u003e. 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Eradication of the virus is our ultimate goal.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p class=\"mb-2\"><a class=\"btn secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/infectious-diseases\/hiv\/\">Read more: Our work in HIV<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:html --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns {\"className\":\"mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1\"><!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"32%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:32%\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"mr-2 mt-2\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mr-2 mt-2\">Pneumococcal disease<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"mt-2\"} -->\n<p class=\"mt-2\"><strong>Our decades-long dedication to pneumococcal disease prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by a bacteria called\u202fStreptococcus pneumoniae. There are about 100 different types (referred to as serotypes) of pneumococcal bacteria, which can affect adults differently than children. 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We're working with urgency to advance research and innovation that aims to help protect the millions of people at risk for dengue infection. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p class=\"mb-2\"><a class=\"btn secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/stories\/a-lifelong-commitment-to-addressing-dengue-fever\/\">Read more: A lifelong commitment to addressing dengue fever<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:html --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns {\"className\":\"mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1 border-bottom-1\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping border-top-1 border-bottom-1\"><!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"32%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:32%\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"mr-2 mt-2\"} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mr-2 mt-2\">Programs that can make a difference<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"mt-2\"} -->\n<p class=\"mt-2\"><strong><strong>We're leading HIV\/AIDS programs that reach patients where they already are<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To help address disparities in HIV care, <a href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/company-overview\/sustainability\/philanthropy\/merck-foundation\/\">our Foundation<\/a> established HIV Care Connect. 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Our team is always evolving, so join us \u2014 and start making your impact today.\",\"_description\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_description\",\"content_label\":\"\",\"_content_label\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_content_label\",\"cta_one\":{\"title\":\"Search jobs\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/jobs.merck.com\/us\/en\/home\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_cta_one\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_cta_one\",\"cta_two\":\"\",\"_cta_two\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_cta_two\",\"cta_three\":\"\",\"_cta_three\":\"mco_featured_banner_block_cta_three\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/-->","post_title":"Infectious diseases","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"infectious-diseases","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-10-30 08:53:05","post_modified_gmt":"2025-10-30 12:53:05","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":47,"guid":"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/?page_id=3662437","menu_order":1,"post_type":"page","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"story_two_selection":"select","related_content_item_two":{"ID":50628,"post_author":"183","post_date":"2020-03-16 20:29:55","post_date_gmt":"2020-03-16 20:29:55","post_content":"<!-- wp:acf\/hero-block {\"name\":\"acf\/hero-block\",\"data\":{\"mco_hero_block_tagline_text\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_tagline_text\":\"mco_hero_block_tagline_text\",\"mco_hero_block_ttle\":\"Patients\",\"_mco_hero_block_ttle\":\"mco_hero_block_title\",\"mco_hero_block_description\":\"We're here to help you get the information you need to guide you on your health journey.\",\"_mco_hero_block_description\":\"mco_hero_block_description\",\"mco_hero_block_image_url\":690542,\"_mco_hero_block_image_url\":\"mco_hero_block_image_url\",\"mco_hero_block_primary_image_alt\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_primary_image_alt\":\"mco_hero_block_primary_image_alt_text\",\"mco_hero_block_image_small_url\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_image_small_url\":\"mco_hero_block_image_small_url\",\"mco_hero_block_secondary_image_alt\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_secondary_image_alt\":\"mco_hero_block_secondary_image_alt_text\",\"mco_hero_block_button_cta\":\"\",\"_mco_hero_block_button_cta\":\"mco_hero_block_button_cta\",\"video_hosting_selection\":\"select\",\"_video_hosting_selection\":\"hero_video_type\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/title-block {\"name\":\"acf\/title-block\",\"data\":{\"title\":\"Our commitment to the patient community\",\"_title\":\"mco_title_block_title\",\"description\":\"We work hard to discover and develop medicines and vaccines that help fight some of the world's most serious health concerns. And it's critical that we understand, respect and honor the life experiences of patient communities \u2014 your voice is important to us. That\u2019s why we listen to patients and take into account your opinions and perspectives when making business and research decisions.\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u0026nbsp;\",\"_description\":\"mco_title_block_description\",\"content_label\":\"\",\"_content_label\":\"mco_title_block_content_label\",\"cta_one\":\"\",\"_cta_one\":\"mco_title_block_cta_one\",\"cta_two\":\"\",\"_cta_two\":\"mco_title_block_cta_two\",\"image\":\"\",\"_image\":\"mco_title_block_image\"},\"align\":\"center\",\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We put patients at the center of everything we do<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We encourage patient communities to become their own health advocates, make informed decisions and be partners in engaging with the health care system.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/content-block {\"name\":\"acf\/content-block\",\"data\":{\"negative_style\":\"0\",\"_negative_style\":\"content_block_negative\",\"content_selection\":\"static\",\"_content_selection\":\"content_selction_method\",\"content_block_image\":737196,\"_content_block_image\":\"content_block_image\",\"content_block_heading\":\"We're guided by our values\",\"_content_block_heading\":\"content_block_heading\",\"content_block_body\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003cul\\u003e\\r\\n \\t\\u003cli\\u003ePatients first\\u003c\/li\\u003e\\r\\n \\t\\u003cli\\u003eInnovation and scientific excellence\\u003c\/li\\u003e\\r\\n \\t\\u003cli\\u003eEthics and integrity\\u003c\/li\\u003e\\r\\n \\t\\u003cli\\u003eRespect for people\\u003c\/li\\u003e\\r\\n\\u003c\/ul\\u003e\",\"_content_block_body\":\"content_block_body\",\"content_block_cta\":\"\",\"_content_block_cta\":\"content_block_cta\",\"content_block_optional_cta\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_cta\":\"content_block_optional_cta\",\"content_block_optional_tag\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_tag\":\"content_block_optional_tag\",\"content_block_video\":\"\",\"_content_block_video\":\"content_block_video\",\"content_media_position\":\"right\",\"_content_media_position\":\"content_media_position\",\"brightcove_account_id\":\"\",\"_brightcove_account_id\":\"bright_cove_account_id\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We may be able to help<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mco-columns-wrapping\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":3648459,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2024\/05\/iStock-1446916058.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Senior woman filling out financial statements\" class=\"wp-image-3648459\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need help paying for your medications?<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We understand that many things can add to the stress of medical treatment. If you're unable to afford your prescribed medications, we may be able to help. See what programs are available to eligible patients in the U.S. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/patients\/patient-support-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Patient support programs<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":3648460,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/152\/2024\/05\/iStock-1491058737.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Female doctor listening symptom of senior patient and taking notes\" class=\"wp-image-3648460\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Helping you play an active role in your health care<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Taking care of your health and medicines can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Explore tips and information to help you play an active role in your health care.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/patients\/play-an-active-role-in-your-health-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Play an active role in your health care<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/content-block {\"name\":\"acf\/content-block\",\"data\":{\"negative_style\":\"1\",\"_negative_style\":\"content_block_negative\",\"content_selection\":\"static\",\"_content_selection\":\"content_selction_method\",\"content_block_image\":3624031,\"_content_block_image\":\"content_block_image\",\"content_block_heading\":\"Interested in joining a clinical trial?\",\"_content_block_heading\":\"content_block_heading\",\"content_block_body\":\"Clinical trials help identify potential new treatments to improve people\u2019s health and save lives.\",\"_content_block_body\":\"content_block_body\",\"content_block_cta\":{\"title\":\"Learn more\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/vip2-msd.com\/merckcom-migrated\/research\/clinical-trials\/\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_content_block_cta\":\"content_block_cta\",\"content_block_optional_cta\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_cta\":\"content_block_optional_cta\",\"content_block_optional_tag\":\"\",\"_content_block_optional_tag\":\"content_block_optional_tag\",\"content_block_video\":\"\",\"_content_block_video\":\"content_block_video\",\"content_media_position\":\"right\",\"_content_media_position\":\"content_media_position\",\"brightcove_account_id\":\"\",\"_brightcove_account_id\":\"bright_cove_account_id\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Merck National Service Center<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/contact-us-banner-block {\"name\":\"acf\/contact-us-banner-block\",\"data\":{\"negative_style\":\"0\",\"_negative_style\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_use_negative\",\"image_url\":693593,\"_image_url\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_image_url\",\"tagline\":\"Merck National Service Center \",\"_tagline\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_tag_line\",\"title\":\"Report an adverse event\",\"_title\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_title\",\"phone\":\"1-800-672-6372 \",\"_phone\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_phone\",\"email\":\"\",\"_email\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_email\",\"hours\":\"You can call this number 24\/7 for any product-related emergency.  Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET\",\"_hours\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_hours\",\"description\":\"For information about Merck\u2019s products and services including the reporting of an Adverse Event or Product Quality Complaint with a specific Merck product, please call the Merck National Service Center.\",\"_description\":\"mco_contact_us_banner_block_description\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"className\":\"mt-2 mb-2\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/content-teaser-cards {\"name\":\"acf\/content-teaser-cards\",\"data\":{\"title\":\"Explore our work \",\"_title\":\"mco_content_teaser_cards_title\",\"description\":\"Every patient has a story to tell. 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