RSV Testing at AFC Urgent Care Stoneham

RSV Diagnosis & Treatment in Stoneham, MA

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Though common, the virus is highly contagious and can cause severe symptoms in premature infants and babies with immune deficiencies. RSV is usually diagnosed in children under two years old, but can be contracted by people of all ages.

In severe cases, RSV can cause complications that may require hospitalization. If you have any concern whether you or your child have contracted the virus, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for RSV testing. The clinic is equipped with 15-minute RSV Abbott ID NOW tests. Our medical providers are experienced in diagnosing many pediatric illnesses, and can help families plan proper treatment – no appointment necessary.

Symptoms of RSV Treated near Wakefield, MA

Since RSV is contagious, symptoms of the illness can start anywhere from 2-8 days after exposure to the virus. For adults and older children, the symptoms can feel identical to those of the common cold, making it difficult to diagnose on your own. For younger children or those with compromised immune systems, the symptoms are much more inflammatory and severe.

The common symptoms of RSV include:

• Congestion
• Stuffy / Runny nose
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Earaches
• Reduced appetite

On behalf of our team at AFC Stoneham and the CDC, most people who get an RSV infection will experience mild illness and will recover anywhere from a week or two. However, some people– including young children and older adults– are more likely to develop a severe RSV infection and may need to be hospitalized. Examples of severe infections include bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus also has the ability to make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks as a result of RSV infection, and people with congestive heart failure may experience more severe symptoms triggered by RSV.

Diagnosing RSV Symptoms near Melrose, MA

One thing to note is that RSV symptoms commonly come in phases, rather than appearing all at once. It may not be severe at first, but can become more severe a few days into the illness. To best avoid any potential RSV complications, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Stoneham for professional medical care. Mild cases of RSV can pass on its own after a few days of rest and proper fluid intake. However, it’s very important to monitor symptoms closely in kids with weakened immune systems, before they escalate to cause complications.

Since the symptoms of RSV are so similar to the common cold, it can be difficult to distinguish the virus without a proper test. For an accurate diagnosis of RSV, visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham. Our center provides molecular point of care 15-min RSV Abbott ID NOW tests. With labs on-site, these tests can very quickly determine if you or your child have contracted RSV, getting you in and out of the clinic in a timely manner.

Treatment Options Available at AFC Urgent Care Stoneham

Treatment options for mild to moderate cases of RSV are available at AFC Urgent Care Stoneham. Our medical providers will typically recommend hydration and over-the-counter pain or fever reducers for acute RSV. If there’s a bacterial complication, such as bacterial pneumonia or an ear infection, we may prescribe antibiotics. If the RSV infection is more severe, our team can help answer any questions or concerns, and refer you to the best specialist for care.

Contact AFC Stoneham for RSV Abbott ID NOW Tests

If you or your child is experiencing any RSV symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham today for high-quality testing and care. Our team will be able to diagnose the virus using RSV Abbott ID NOW tests, and develop the most effective treatment plan for your family. AFC Stoneham is open seven days a week, with walk-in visits always welcomed and most major insurance carriers accepted. Low-cost treatment is available for self-paying patients. For more information about RSV treatment, or other urgent care services we provide, call us directly at (781) 279-4000.