The holiday season is upon us! As we spend time planning holiday parties, shoveling driveways, and shopping for presents, it can be hard to prioritize our health and well-being. Unfortunately, the holidays can cause a rise of many general illnesses as the temperature drops and we spend more time inside. One illness in particular has been spiking in our communities this winter– Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV affects both children and adults with cold-like symptoms. Though it’s not commonly life-threatening, the symptoms can worsen if left untreated. Continue reading to learn more about preventing RSV this holiday season and visit AFC Urgent Care Louisville for walk-in RSV testing and symptom relief.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
In most cases, healthy children and adults will experience cold-like symptoms when they’ve been infected with RSV. This includes cough, congestion, and fever. Unfortunately, some groups of people are at a higher risk for more severe symptoms that can lead to hospitalization. These groups of people may include younger children with weakened immune systems and older adults with chronic health conditions. If you’re in one of these groups, it’s even more crucial to have your infection properly diagnosed and speak to a provider about different treatment options.
The common symptoms of RSV include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Stuffy / Runny nose
- Earaches
- Reduced appetite
Symptoms of severe RSV infections are much more inflammatory, and may include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and a barking cough. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms that may indicate a severe RSV infection, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How to prevent RSV this December
Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for RSV because it’s a viral infection. However, there are steps you can take to prevent being infected. During the holidays, we tend to spend more time indoors in close proximity to other people. This means it’s more important than usual to protect yourself from falling ill with RSV, since it can spread fairly quickly in these conditions.
One of the best ways to prevent RSV is to practice good hygiene. You should always wash your hands frequently with soap and water. This is especially important after touching someone who is ill or after touching surfaces that are likely to be more contaminated than others, like doorknobs, public bathrooms, and kitchen counters. Stay away from anyone who is sick the best you can. It’s difficult to practice this during the holidays, but it’s crucial to encourage your family to keep a safe distance and avoid contact with another person’s saliva and mucus.
Visit AFC Louisville for RSV Testing & Treatment
If you or anyone in your family have begun experiencing symptoms of RSV, come visit AFC Louisville today. Our medical providers specialize in family care services, and can diagnose RSV seven days a week. Protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season by prioritizing the prevention of illnesses like RSV. For more information on RSV testing please call our office directly at (720) 961-9700.
