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RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Information
Below are some common questions that are asked about the RSV disease:
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What is RSV? |
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RSV is a virus that is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under the age of one. Most kids have had the infection and been exposed to the virus by the age of two. Infections in older children are milder and usually do not require treatment. |
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What are the symptoms of RSV? |
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The illness usually begins with a runny nose and cough. It can be followed in about three days with fever and/or wheezing. |
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Are there lab tests for the virus? |
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We do have an in-office test that can determine if your child has the virus. We get nasal secretions from the nose with a swab and have the results in about ten minutes. |
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What is the treatment for RSV? |
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The treatment is symptomatic—meaning that we can treat each individual symptom that the child is having. We use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the fever, bulb suction of the nose for the congestion, upright feedings if that is an issue, and sometimes nebulizer breathing treatments if there is significant wheezing. |
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Which patients are at increased risk of hospitalization? |
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Hospitalization may be required if the child is less than six months old, has underlying lung or heart conditions, or has a compromised immune system for any reason. Treatment in the hospital may include supplemental oxygen and breathing treatments, as well as IV fluids if the child is not taking oral fluids well. |
At QuestCare Urgent Care, we would be glad to care for your child and their respiratory health needs! Your child will see a physician and be treated with compassion and kindness. We can do the necessary testing including the RSV smear test, give a nebulizer treatment , and even do a chest x-ray if that is needed. We can also facilitate quick and seamless transfer to several local hospitals if that is required. We care for all patients, including newborns!
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