in animal testing, those compounds actually were able to stop an rsv infection. >> could you predict that it's going-to-to have a protective effect in humans. >> reporter: the director of the national institute for allergy and infectious diseases at nih says this is the first time scientists have seen such promising research in the fight against rsv. up until now, there hasn't been much in the way of treatment. patients usually just have to wait it out. that's what darryl gould is doing. he has been at children's national medical center for the last two days. >> he is doing a lot better. he is doing a lot better. >> reporter: doreen gentzler, news4. >> so the next step is to test the vaccine on humans in a clinical trial. and if all that goes well, an rsv vaccine should be on the market in just the next couple of years. >>> next, a look back at christmases past and present at did you get chips for the party? nope. [ ding ] cheese plate? cheese plate. no, i made something better. you used the oven? boom. [ male announcer ] pillsbury crescents. make the holidays pop. ♪ make t♪ holidays