RSV Testing at AFC Urgent Care Bedford

RSV Diagnosis & Treatment in Bedford, MA

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, commonly known as RSV, is a respiratory virus that can affect people of all ages. The virus is most frequently diagnosed in children under two years old, and can cause mild symptoms– similar to the common cold. Recently, cases of RSV have begun to rise in our communities. Though the virus is common, it can cause severe symptoms in premature infants and babies with immune deficiencies.

If you have any concern whether you or your child have contracted the virus, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Bedford for RSV testing. The walk-in clinic is equipped with 15-minute RSV Abbott ID NOW tests. Our medical providers are experienced in providing quality pediatric urgent care. Together, we can help families plan treatment, with no appointment necessary.

Symptoms of RSV Treated near Lexington, MA

RSV is a virus, meaning it is highly contagious. Children can transmit the illness to adults, and vice versa. For mild to moderate cases of RSV, the symptoms can feel very similar to a common cold. Illness can start anywhere from 2-8 days from exposure, so you may not know exactly when you or your child developed RSV. For younger children or those with compromised immune systems, the symptoms are much more inflammatory and severe.

The common symptoms of RSV include:

• Congestion
• Stuffy / Runny nose
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Earaches
• Reduced appetite

According to the CDC, an RSV infection will have mild illness for most people, and patients will recover in a week or two. However, other groups of people, like young children and older adults, are more likely to develop severe RSV infection and may need to be hospitalized. Severe infections include bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia.

Furthermore, RSV can make chronic health problems worse. If you have asthma, you may experience asthma attacks as a result of RSV infection. If you have congestive heart failure, you may experience more severe symptoms triggered by RSV. At our walk-in clinic, we’re able to accurately test for RSV– an important first step in avoiding complications altogether.

Diagnosing RSV Symptoms near Concord, MA

RSV can be distinguished from other general illnesses by the onset of the illness. The symptoms commonly come in stages, rather than appearing all at once. Mild cases of RSV can pass on their own after a few days of rest and proper fluid intake, similar to other virus-induced illnesses. However, it’s very important to watch symptoms closely in kids with weakened immune systems, and bring them in for medical care if the illness prolongs.

Because the symptoms of RSV are so similar to the common cold, it can be difficult to distinguish the virus on your own. For an accurate diagnosis of RSV, visit AFC Urgent Care Bedford. Our center provides molecular point of care 15-min RSV Abbott ID NOW tests. Our clinic has labs on-site, so RSV testing can be quick and easy. These tests can accurately determine if you or your child have contracted RSV, and let our providers help you plan a path to treatment.

Treatment Options Available at AFC Urgent Care Bedford

There are treatment options for mild to moderate cases of RSV available at AFC Urgent Care Bedford. Our team of licensed medical providers will typically recommend hydration and over-the-counter pain or fever reducers for acute cases of RSV. If there’s a bacterial complication, such as bacterial pneumonia or an ear infection, we may prescribe antibiotics in your treatment plan. If the RSV infection is more severe, our team can help answer any questions or concerns, and refer you to the best specialist for care.

Contact AFC Bedford for RSV Abbott ID NOW Tests

If you or your loved ones are experiencing any symptoms of RSV, visit AFC Urgent Care Bedford today for comprehensive testing and care. We will be able to diagnose the virus using RSV Abbott ID NOW tests, and develop the most effective treatment plan for your case. AFC Bedford is open seven days a week, with walk-in visits always welcomed and most major insurance carriers accepted. Low-cost treatment is available for self-paying patients. For more information about RSV testing, or other urgent care services we provide, call us directly at (781) 430-8161.