Does AFC offer RSV testing?

Yes. At AFC Urgent Care of Tyvola Road, we offer a state-of-the-art Rapid RSV Test to help you stay healthy and safe. Our Rapid RSV Test is highly accurate and significantly reduces the likelihood of a false positive or false negative when compared to other rapid testing methods. This testing is also referred to as RT-PCR testing.

With our Rapid RSV Test, we take a fluid sample from your nose and test it for certain proteins from the RSV virus. These proteins are called antigens, and they trigger your immune system to attack the virus. Results typically come back within 30 minutes. Visit us for RSV testing with no appointment required.

AFC Urgent Care only treats patients that are 6 months of age or older.

What is RSV?

RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a leading cause of severe respiratory illness in young children in the United States. It is highly contagious and can spread through contact with saliva, mucus, or blood, as well as surfaces and objects contaminated with the virus.

The According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that RSV results in around 58,000 hospitalizations and 100 to 300 deaths among children under 5 each year. It’s important to be aware of the risks of RSV and take the necessary steps to protect your children from the virus. This includes washing your hands regularly, maintaining a clean environment, and avoiding contact with people who are infected.

Our medical team strives to keep children safe from the dangers of RSV. If you or your child does become infected with RSV, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of the illness.

Common RSV Symptoms

RSV is especially dangerous for infants and young children, as it can cause serious breathing and respiratory problems.

If you suspect your child has RSV, it’s important to seek medical treatment right away. Here are some of the most common symptoms of RSV in infants, children, and adults:

RSV Symptoms in Infants:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Acting cranky or irritable
• Moving less than usual
• Lack of appetite
• Pauses in breathing

RSV Symptoms in Children:

• Fever
• Wheezing
• Serious cough
• Breathing faster than normal or trouble breathing
• Blue skin color

RSV Symptoms in Adults:

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Fever

If your child is 6 months old or older and is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit AFC Urgent Care for diagnosis and treatment. Our medical team will provide the care your child needs to get back to feeling their best.

Who has a higher risk of getting RSV?

It is important to be aware of higher risk groups and individuals so you can take extra precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

High-risk groups for RSV include:

• Infants, particularly those 6 months and younger
• Older adults, especially those 65 years and older
• People with heart or lung diseases
• People with weakened immune systems

If you or someone you know falls into one of these high-risk categories, it is especially important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from RSV. This includes getting vaccinated, washing your hands often and avoiding contact with people who are sick.

Do I need an RSV test?

Are you experiencing a runny nose, sneezing, or headache? If so, you might need to get an RSV test. If you’re an infant, younger child or adult over age 65, and you have moderate or serious RSV symptoms, it’s important that you get tested.

More serious symptoms of RSV include fever, wheezing, a serious cough, breathing faster than normal or difficulty breathing and blue skin color. In infants less than six months old, the only symptoms of RSV may be crankiness, decreased movement, lack of appetite and pauses in breathing.

If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or AFC Urgent Care right away. At our clinic, we provide comprehensive RSV testing and treatment. We use the latest technology and best practices of rapid testing to ensure accurate results and effective treatment.

What happens during an RSV test?

Wondering what to expect during an RSV test? It’s simple. A health care professional will use a special swab to take a sample from your nose. It’s best to get tested during the first few days after symptoms begin, as the amount of the virus in your nose decreases over time, which may make test results less accurate.

Do I need to prepare for the RSV test?

If you’re planning on getting an RSV test, you don’t need to worry about any special preparation. The test itself is quick and easy and requires no special preparation or steps. All you have to do is show up and get tested.

Are there any risks to the test?

RSV testing is a very safe procedure. The only side effect that you may experience is a feeling of discomfort when your nose is swabbed. This feeling usually passes quickly and is not dangerous. You can rest assured that RSV testing is a safe and effective way to detect the virus. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your AFC provider.

What do the results mean?

The Rapid RSV test is a valuable tool for diagnosing Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). A negative result means that no signs of the virus were found in your sample, which could mean that another illness is causing your symptoms. However, it is possible to get a false negative, and your AFC provider will share more information with you. If you are still showing signs of RSV, contact your provider for further testing and treatment.

A positive result indicates that you likely have an RSV infection. This is especially important to know if you are a baby, young child, or elderly adult, as these individuals may need further treatment, such as oxygen and IV fluids.

Is there anything else I need to know about an RSV test?

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of RSV, it’s important to know if you need to be tested. Most healthy adults and children with RSV will get better in 1-2 weeks without testing, so your provider may not recommend a test. However, if you are in a high-risk group, such as an infant, an elderly person or someone with a weakened immune system, your provider may recommend an RSV test.

Are there any anti-viral medications like Tamiflu to treat RSV?

While there are currently no prescription antiviral drugs available to treat the virus, there are some over-the-counter medications and home remedies that can help relieve your symptoms.

At AFC, we understand how RSV can be disruptive and uncomfortable. That’s why we’re here to help. Our experienced providers can recommend the most effective over-the-counter medicines and home remedies that can help you get back on your feet. Most healthy adults and children with RSV will recover in 1-2 weeks. In the meantime, drinking lots of fluids and following your provider’s advice can help you feel better faster.

If you or a loved one is suffering from RSV,  visit AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Rd today. Our experienced providers are here to help you get back to feeling your best.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4652120/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88309/

https://medlineplus.gov/respiratorysyncytialvirusinfections.html