RSV is here. We’re sure you’ve heard. It is the latest respiratory virus that causes inflammation and infection of the airways. Most commonly affecting infants and children under 12 months,the fact is that it can affect all age groups. A mild case of RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms and is often confused with the flu. A more severe case can be quite dangerous. Because RSV can affect infants and babies, it is making a big threat this holiday season.
AFC Urgent Care Danbury wants to help you brush up your knowledge on RSV: what it is, the symptoms, and how to help your children if they do get sick this winter.
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), also known as “infant flu,” is a respiratory infection caused by the RSV-A and -B viruses. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in infants and young children worldwide. The viruses are spread through contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces, such as sneezing or coughing.
Symptoms of RSV include a runny or stuffy nose, cough, wheezing, congestion, and fever. The symptoms usually last for about 7 to 10 days and then go away on their own. More severe cases can lead to pneumonia, bronchiolitis, or LRTD.
How do you know if your child has RSV?
The easiest way to know if your child has RSV is to test for it. Luckily for you, AFC Urgent Care Danbury offers the RSV nasal swab test to determine if you have RSV or not, with results back in 2-3 days. Just like COVID-19 testing, a nasal swab is the most accurate way to test the amount of virus in your nasal cavity. This way, you’ll be able to take the necessary steps towards treatment if your child does end up testing positive for RSV.
What are the risks of RSV?
As mentioned earlier, touching contaminated objects, sneezing and coughing, or rather the spread of “air droplets” can increase your risk of contracting RSV or spreading it. But, what we all need to worry about is the spread of RSV during the month of December as it can become a little hectic with family gatherings, holiday shopping and being in closed spaces because it’s cold out.
If you plan on celebrating the holidays with family, make sure to avoid spreading germs by keeping your hands clean, continuing to wear a mask and avoid hosting or going to parties when sick. Remember it’s not about you anymore. It’s about the kids and our grandparents who are immunocompromised.
Get Tested For RSV at AFC Urgent Care Danbury Any Day Of The Week
Unsure if your child or loved one has RSV? Stop by our AFC Urgent Care center in Danbury located on 2 Main St. to get a nasal swab and we’ll get you the results you need to have peace of mind this winter. We also offer the flu shot and COVID-19 testing as we can’t forget about those two viruses either!
AFC Urgent Care Danbury is open 7 days a week and you can walk-in or make an appointment online, anytime!
