If you’ve been feeling sick, started to get better, and then suddenly felt worse again, you’re not imagining it. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of cold-like symptoms, and it can sometimes seem to come and go as your body fights off the infection. While RSV is often mild, it can linger and fluctuate, especially in adults, older adults, and young children. In this blog, we’ll explore what you should know about how RSV behaves, why symptoms may seem to return, and when it’s time to visit urgent care.

For same-day RSV testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9. Our team specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions for patients of all ages. Just walk in or plan your visit in advance below!

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Understanding RSV

RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory tract. It’s one of the most common causes of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and can also affect older children and adults, especially during the fall and winter months. In adults and older kids, RSV often looks and feels like a bad cold, causing the following symptoms:

• Cough
• Congestion and runny nose
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Low-grade fever
• Wheezing or shortness of breath in more severe cases

Why RSV Symptoms May Come and Go

It’s common for RSV symptoms to seem better one day and worse the next. This happens because of how the virus affects your airways and immune system.

1. Lingering Inflammation: Even after the virus starts to clear, inflammation in the lungs and airways can persist. This can cause ongoing or fluctuating coughing, congestion, and fatigue.
2. Mucus Build-Up: RSV causes excess mucus, which may drain or loosen at different times of day, leading to periods where you feel better followed by renewed congestion or coughing.
3. Immune Response: Your immune system continues to respond after the initial infection, sometimes causing low-level symptoms to flare up again as your body finishes fighting the virus.
4. Secondary Infections: Occasionally, RSV can weaken the respiratory system and open the door for secondary bacterial infections, such as sinus infections or pneumonia. These can cause new or returning symptoms after initial improvement.

In short, it’s normal for RSV symptoms to fluctuate during recovery, but persistent or worsening symptoms may be a sign of complications.

How Long RSV Symptoms Typically Last

Most RSV infections run their course within 7 to 10 days, though coughing and fatigue may linger for up to 2-3 weeks. The illness usually follows this general pattern:

• Days 1-3: MIld cold-like symptoms (sore throat, congestion, or low-grade fever)
• Days 4-6: Symptoms often worsen with more coughing, mucus production, and possible wheezing
• Days 7-10: Gradual improvement as inflammation decreases and breathing becomes easier
• Weeks 2-3: Lingering cough or tiredness as the airways continue to heal

If symptoms seem to improve and then return more severely- especially with fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain- it’s important to get checked by a healthcare provider.

When To Visit Urgent Care

While mild RSV can often be managed at home, you should visit an urgent care center if you experience the following symptoms:

• High or persistent fever
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Severe cough or chest discomfort
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, reduced urine output, dizziness)
• Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days or worsening after improvement

At urgent care, a medical provider can evaluate your symptoms, run testing, and rule out complications such as pneumonia or asthma flare-ups. Treatment is typically focused on symptom relief, including hydration, rest, and sometimes breathing treatments to open the airways.

Get Walk-In RSV Testing & Symptom Relief at AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9 in Elizabeth, NJ

RSV symptoms can appear to come and go as your body works to heal, especially if inflammation or mucus build-up lingers. While this is often normal, worsening or returning symptoms can signal complications that require medical care. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are improving or getting worse, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9 for a quick evaluation. Our medical team can help confirm what’s going on, relieve symptoms, and ensure you’re on the right path to recovery. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to patients of all ages in Elizabeth, NJ. We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for those without insurance. For more information on the services we provide, please call us directly at (908) 570-5801 to speak with a member of our team.