If you’re feeling sick, identifying your symptoms and determining the necessary treatment can be difficult. Many different illnesses circulate during the winter season, which can make it difficult to identify the exact cause of your symptoms. RSV is a contagious viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system. While it causes mild cold-like symptoms for most, RSV poses a severe risk for at-risk groups like the elderly, young children, and pregnant women. Keep reading to learn more about RSV symptoms, including whether RSV can cause a fever. If you’re feeling sick, walk into AFC Edgewater for same-day illness symptom diagnosis and treatment. Our medical providers are available 7 days a week and accept walk-in patients.
Symptoms of RSV
RSV is an upper respiratory infection caused by the Respiratory syncytial virus. Like other viral infections like colds and the flu, RSV is very contagious and can spread through the air as well as direct contact with someone who is sick. RSV cases tend to increase in the winter months due to the increased close contact with others. Symptoms of RSV typically appear 4 to 6 days after exposure, which means that infected individuals can spread the virus without knowing that they have it. Symptoms can last up to 2 weeks.
Symptoms of RSV include:
- Congestion
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Low fever
- Sneezing
- Sinus pain
- Headaches
RSV Treatment
In most healthy adults, treatment for RSV is not necessary. Our immune systems can usually fight off the infection within 14 days. However, RSV may cause more severe illness for anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important to seek medical care if you’re experiencing RSV for a medical diagnosis and to consult a healthcare professional regarding the best course of treatment for your symptoms. RSV is highly contagious, so self-isolating while you recover is vital to prevent the spread of RSV to others.
RSV Prevention
Although most individuals will not experience severe symptoms from RSV, there is a RSV vaccine available to at-risk individuals. The RSV vaccine works similarly to the flu vaccine in that it prevents cases of severe illness for individuals with a compromised immune system. Your medical provider will be able to determine your eligibility for the vaccine based on your medical history.
Taking steps to prevent the spread of RSV is vital to protect yourself and anyone who is at high risk for developing severe illness from RSV in your community. Washing your hands regularly, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and staying home when you feel sick will all help prevent the spread of RSV.
Walk into AFC Edgewater for Same-Day Illness Symptom Treatment in Edgewater, MD
If you’re feeling sick and in need of rapid illness treatment, walk into AFC Urgent Care Edgewater. Our walk-in urgent care clinic offers same-day care on a walk-in basis for patients in Edgewater, MD, and the surrounding areas. We maintain short wait times, making our clinic a more convenient alternative to the ER for non-life-threatening conditions. RSV symptoms can be difficult to diagnose, but our board-certified medical providers are trained to provide a swift diagnosis of your symptoms. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day care!
