During the early stages of an illness, the human body sends out signals in the form of symptoms, warning you about the condition of the body. These symptoms can be mild or severe, but it is always best advised that you take whatever symptoms appear seriously. This is especially the case when it comes to respiratory tract diseases. Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV for short, is one such respiratory illness. It is most common in children but can also appear in adults and its symptoms are similar to that of the common cold.
So how can you know that you have RSV? In this blog, we’ll explore the typical symptom timeline for RSV in adults. If you believe you have RSV, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston for same-day testing and treatment.
Timeline of RSV Symptoms in Adults
The first symptom of RSV is generally a congested or runny nose, a very cold-like symptom. It can appear around four to six days after infection. A lot of RSV-infected individuals hardly notice because it can be mild and non-persistent, especially in adults. Common self-care methods such as keeping warm, eating fruits, and a generally good diet to bolster immunity might be enough to relieve any discomfort but sometimes, the symptoms might persist and segway into a worse infection. At that point, it might be a good idea to see a doctor.
A runny nose is not the only symptom that indicates a possibility of an RSV infection. Additionally, it’s never a good idea to self-diagnose an illness from a single symptom. RSV, like other respiratory tract diseases, is severe in infants, old people, adults with heart or lung diseases, or anyone with a weak immune system. Here are some additional symptoms that indicate RSV:
- Dry Coughs
- Sore throats
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Headache
These symptoms tend to follow one another with sneezing often coming first, followed by dry coughs, sore throats, fevers, and then headaches. These symptoms can have a domino-like effect– one leading to the other. During an RSV infection, it is best advised that you seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Causes and Potential Complications of RSV
The respiratory syncytial virus is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections and can be so severe that each year in the United States, an estimated 10,000 adults die from it. It tends to fly under the radar as it is often lumped together with other respiratory infections that cause cold-like symptoms. RSV, like most respiratory diseases, enters through the nose, eyes, and mouth. It especially spreads rapidly through infected respiratory droplets and the virus can also pass from one infected person to another through direct contact like shaking hands.
RSV can lead to hospitalization, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and exacerbation of asthma-compromised individual conditions. You can stay safe from RSV by avoiding direct contact with infected persons, good personal hygiene, and a good diet to boost your immunity.
Get Same-Day RSV Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Livingston
Do you believe you or a loved one has developed RSV? Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston for a full medical evaluation and treatment plan. Our board-certified medical providers can examine your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and make the best recommendations for treatment. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and appointments are not required. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about RSV symptoms or treatment, please contact our team directly at (973) 601-2626.
