Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus that feels like a common cold and occurs seasonally. While many people experience mild symptoms, certain individuals face a high risk of experiencing severe RSV symptoms and complications. If you are currently battling RSV and you are worried if it goes away without treatment, here's all you need to know.
For same-day RSV testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and provides the highest quality of care to patients of all ages. Simply walk-in at your convenience!
Understanding RSV Symptoms
RSV is a virus and not a viral infection that spreads easily from close contact with an infected person. It can also spread via contaminated objects such as objects containing saliva, mucus, and snot of an infected person. You can also get infected if you touch hard surfaces containing the virus as they can survive on hard surfaces for hours before dying.
Common symptoms of RSV include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
How Can I Treat RSV If It Does Not Go Away?
Most cases of RSV go away after a few days but if yours isn't, you should use an antiviral medication to clear the virus. There are also other ways to manage the symptoms and promote healing and they include:
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to manage fever and pain. Common OTC relievers include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin (not recommended for kids.)
- Take in more fluid to prevent dehydration.
- Resting to help your body fight off the viral infection.
- Use a humidifier to prevent nasal congestion and help with breathing.
- Use saline suctioning for kids to unclog the nose and the respiratory system.
If your symptoms worsen and you also avoid treating them, you are at risk of experiencing severe complications like bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis is a condition in which the lungs are inflamed, making breathing harder. This can worsen and cause pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs and can be particularly dangerous to kids. RSV may be easy to tackle, but it can be dangerous to premature kids and children under 2 years. It is also dangerous to adults over the age of 65 and adults battling chronic health conditions.
RSV Treatment at Urgent Care
Healthcare providers diagnose RSV before treating it by performing a physical examination which involves listening to your lungs with a stethoscope. Typically, a swab test is done to check your mucus for RSV. Medications are prescribed to adults with moderate or mild RSV while kids and elders with severe symptoms are tackled effectively to prevent further infection. Babies may be provided oxygen masks or a ventilator to aid their breathing and elders. IV fluids will also be used to help hydrate the affected person.
Get RSV Testing & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care West Orange
Do you suspect that you or a loved one has RSV? AFC Urgent Care West Orange is here to help. Visit our center if your RSV symptoms seem to be worsening despite at-home treatment. If you experience symptoms that impede your day-to-day activities, it's important to see a medical provider immediately as prolonged RSV infection can lead to severe diseases. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and provides immediate care to all patients in the West Orange, NJ area and surrounding communities.
