Mild illness symptoms can be the start of many different illnesses. One common winter illness that often starts with mild cold-like symptoms is RSV. Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a respiratory infection that is caused by a virus. It is extremely contagious and causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms. If you’re experiencing illness symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Perth Amboy for walk-in illness care available 7 days a week in Perth Amboy, NJ.
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What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a fairly new virus. In recent years, cases of RSV during the winter illness season have been becoming more common. RSV is caused by a viral infection and impacts the respiratory system such as the lungs, airway and sinuses. It can affect anyone, however, is known to cause more severe illness for immunocompromised individuals, anyone with underlying heart or lung conditions, and the elderly.
RSV is extremely contagious. It spreads from person to person very easily through direct contact or indirectly through touching the same surface as someone who is carrying the virus. This makes schools, office buildings, and public spaces high-risk areas for contracting RSV.
Common RSV Symptoms
RSV typically begins gradually. It can start with mild symptoms which resemble a cold. Because of this, RSV can go undetected for days, allowing the virus to spread to others. Early RSV symptoms commonly include mild symptoms like a sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. RSV can also cause you to become congested.
Symptoms that indicate RSV include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- A persistent cough
Does RSV Require Medical Treatment
RSV can cause severe illness. This is especially true in young children, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system or underlying heart or lung conditions. It is important to seek medical care if you think you have RSV. Not only will it help prevent you from accidentally spreading your illness to others, but seeking early medical care will help prevent your symptoms from worsening.
The best way to prevent RSV from causing severe illness is to protect yourself from getting RSV in the first place. If you are elderly or pregnant, you may be eligible for the RSV vaccine. Making sure to always wash your hands and avoid touching surfaces in public places such as door handles will greatly reduce your risk of getting RSV.
Get Same-Day Illness Treatment in Perth Amboy, NJ at AFC Urgent Care Perth Amboy
RSV can cause severe illness, even in healthy adults. If you think you may be experiencing RSV symptoms such as congestion, it is important to seek medical care. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you recover quickly and prevent you from spreading your illness to others. AFC Urgent Care Perth Amboy offers same-day illness diagnosis and treatment for patients in Perth Amboy, NJ, and the surrounding communities.
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At AFC Urgent Care Perth Amboy, our medical staff is board-certified and trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of common illnesses, including RSV. If you’re experiencing mild illness symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Perth Amboy for same-day care without the need to schedule an appointment, simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you.
