RSV is an upper respiratory infection that primarily affects infants, but can infect anyone. The RSV vaccine is not widely available for healthy adults due to most cases of infection bringing mild symptoms. Like many illnesses, RSV is very contagious. Infections such as RSV tend to spread quicker during the winter months. Learn about what to do if you’re suffering from RSV symptoms, including how long RSV symptoms last.
Causes & Symptoms of RSV
RSV is caused by a virus. Like many viral infections, RSV is very contagious through direct contact and indirect contact with an infected person as well as through the air. In most cases, RSV symptoms occur a few days after the infection has started. During this time, the infected person is still contagious, however, may not know it because they are not displaying any symptoms.
Common symptoms of RSV include:
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Cough
- Sore throat
Although RSV typically appears as a cold in healthy adults, RSV can lead to severe symptoms for individuals who are at risk for severe illness. This includes young children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung conditions. If you are at risk for severe illness caused by RSV, your symptoms may include shortness of breath and wheezing which requires immediate medical intervention by a medical professional.
At-Home RSV Symptom Management
Since RSV is viral, there is little medical intervention available for mild to moderate RSV symptoms. Your immune system has to fight off the infection on its own over time. In healthy adults, RSV symptoms typically last about a week. Although there is no cure for RSV other than your body fighting off the infection, there are some ways in which you can help reduce your symptoms as the infection clears:
- Steam showers
- Gargle with salt water
- Stay hydrated with electrolytes
- Get extra sleep
- Use over-the-counter medications
The best way to resolve symptoms caused by RSV is to ensure you are getting adequate rest so that your body has energy to fight off the infection. Based on your symptoms, a healthcare provider can help advise at-home care instructions to best resolve any discomfort.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Braintree for RSV Diagnosis & Treatment in Braintree, MA
RSV can cause a variety of symptoms which can lead to discomfort. AFC Urgent Care Braintree offers patients in Braintree, MA, and the surrounding communities same-day illness care without the need to schedule an appointment. If you’re in need of symptom management or illness diagnosis services, walk into our clinic or schedule an appointment online.
When you’re experiencing illness symptoms, AFC Urgent Care Braintree is here to help. Our walk-in clinic has a laboratory on-site, allowing our medical staff to perform diagnostic testing at the time of your visit and accurately diagnose your illness. Our medical staff is board-certified and available for walk-in patients 7 days a week. Simply walk into our clinic when it’s convenient for you. For additional information, contact our clinic directly by calling 781-848-2273.
