Respiratory illness can be more than uncomfortable. While many people with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) experience mild symptoms, it can also lead to a lung infection that can be much more serious. Unfortunately, the condition can also be easily confused with other conditions.
Urgent care centers can diagnose RSV and other respiratory illnesses. If you suspect that you have RSV or another respiratory illness, this is what you need to know.
What Are the Signs of RSV?
The symptoms of the viral infection can come on just a few days after you come into contact with the virus. These symptoms may at first include a runny nose or low appetite. Over time, they can develop into a fever, coughing, and sneezing.
In the worse cases, people with RSV may need to be hospitalized. Hospitalization may include a ventilator to ensure that the individual gets the oxygen they need.
Is RSV Contagious?
RSV is very contagious. People can spread the condition to others for days, and people with a weaker or underdeveloped immune system can spread the virus even longer than others. This means that you should take this virus seriously, even coming to urgent care at the first sign of illness.
How Does RSV Spread?
RSV spreads from one person to another. In some cases, people get the condition by contact through air, such as contact with a cough, sneeze, or breath by another person. In some cases, touching can spread the condition. Direct contact with a sick person or by touching something another person just touched can both spread RSV.
How Can You Treat RSV?
Since RSV is a virus, it is not something that can be treated easily. Infections typically go away on their own within days or weeks. In the meantime, a doctor may recommend that you take medications that can relieve fever, pain, and discomfort.
It is also important to stay hydrated when somebody has an RSV infection. Fluids can prevent the condition from worsening.
Should You Go to Urgent Care for RSV?
Urgent care can be beneficial for diagnosing RSV. If you think you have this infection or believe your child may have the symptoms, urgent care can be helpful. It can also help you determine if you have something else that may require different treatment.
Urgent care can help you. Come in as soon as possible when you experience the symptoms to receive a diagnosis and information to make your next weeks and days more comfortable.
For more information, contact an urgent care clinic in your area.
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