Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory tract infection that most commonly affects children younger than the age of 2. While RSV most commonly infects young children, RSV can affect anyone of any age. Find out more about what causes RSV, how to identify the early symptoms of RSV, and the treatment options available at urgent care. Visit AFC Urgent Care Aurora Saddle Rock for same-day illness diagnosis & treatment without the need to book an appointment.
Causes + Symptoms of RSV
In recent years, the number of RSV infections has continued to increase. The recent increase in RSV cases has sparked curiosity regarding what RSV is and whether it is a cause for concern. RSV is a respiratory tract infection that is caused by the Respiratory syncytial virus. Like many other viruses, such as the flu, RSV is highly contagious from one person to another. RSV can spread through direct contact with an infected individual, or through touching the same surface or breathing the same air as an infected person. Someone who is infected with RSV may not have any symptoms until up to four days after contracting the virus. The virus quickly circulates in schools and childcare centers, as older kids frequently transmit it to younger ones.
Adults who contract RSV typically experience mild symptoms resembling the common cold. In most cases, RSV can be treated at home with the use of over-the-counter medications for symptom relief. However, RSV can manifest as a severe infection in specific demographics, such as infants below 12 months, elderly individuals, those with preexisting heart and lung conditions, or individuals with compromised immune systems. It is important to understand the early symptoms of RSV to ensure that you can self-isolate and protect those around you who may be susceptible to severe illness caused by RSV.
Common RSV Symptoms Include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
Tips for Preventing RSV
The best way to avoid the stress and discomfort caused by RSV is to prevent getting sick with it. Preventing RSV is particularly important for vulnerable populations. Consider the following measures to reduce the risk of RSV:
- Hand Hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before handling an infant or after coughing, sneezing, or touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
- Avoid Close Contact: If you are ill or have symptoms of RSV, limit close contact with vulnerable individuals, especially infants.
- Keep Surfaces Clean: Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including toys, doorknobs, and remote controls.
- Practice Respiratory Etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues properly.
- Stay Home When Sick: If you or your child is ill, consider staying home to prevent the spread of the virus.
RSV Diagnosis & Treatment at Urgent Care
Diagnosing and treating RSV is critical to ensure that your illness does not develop into a more severe infection and that you don’t spread your illness to others. Your medical provider will conduct a medical evaluation, focusing on your symptoms and medical history. Tests such as nasal or throat swabs may be used to identify the presence of the RSV virus. In more severe cases, chest X-rays can reveal severe lung infections.
Although RSV usually causes mild illness in healthy adults, if you experience symptoms such as dehydration or significant respiratory distress, you should seek immediate medical care for treatment. RSV cannot be treated with antibiotics. Instead, RSV treatment primarily aims to alleviate symptoms using tools such as humidifiers and prescription medications to enhance comfort.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Aurora Saddle Rock For Same-Day RSV Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’re suffering from RSV symptoms, it is important to seek medical care for a medical diagnosis. This will allow your healthcare professional to help advise what treatment options are available to support a fast recovery. At AFC Urgent Care Aurora Saddle Rock, our medical facility offers rapid RSV testing through our on-site laboratory. This allows our medical providers to provide a quick and accurate diagnosis of your symptoms.
We never require you to book an appointment to receive medical care. Our walk-in clinic is open 7 days a week with extended business hours so that you can get the medical care that you need. Simply walk-in or pre-register your visit online. Our clinic has short wait times and accepts most medical insurance plans. For additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact our team directly by calling (303) 529-3300.
