Testing can rule out similar infections
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)is a common viral respiratory infection.
Many people wont be able to tell RSV from a common cold or flu bug.
Visiting a healthcare provider for testing to confirm an RSV diagnosis isnt required.
Drazen Zigic / Getty Images
RSV is highly contagiousand tends to have a seasonal pattern.
These are all called respiratory infections.
Self-diagnosis of RSV or another specific respiratory virus can be difficult.
as they typically have similar symptoms in people who are generally healthy.
If youre looking to tell which one you have, it comes down to parsing out the symptoms.
RSV vs.
Cold Symptoms
Thesymptoms of RSVin otherwise healthy people aresimilar to symptomsof a common cold.
It will likely not spread into the lower respiratory system and cause these symptoms.
Is Testing Required to Diagnose RSV?
Testing is not required for RSV diagnosis.
They’ll ask about fever, how worn down you feel, and signs of dehydration.
They’ll also ask about other health issues or medications you’re on that may weaken the immune system.
There are several lab tests for RSV.
This is useful if your symptoms don’t give a precise RSV diagnosis.
This requires you to swab your nose and send the sample to a lab for testing.
You get results one or two days after the lab receives the sample.
How Long Is RSV Contagious?
RSV is a very contagious virus.
It spreads quickly from person to person through touch or the air.
It also spreads from surfaces like a tabletop or doorknob to a person when they touch their face.
The germ can live on surfaces for many hours.
Thats why this virus spreads easily in educational options.
When infected with RSV, you usually become contagious one or two days before symptoms appear.
you’ve got the option to transmit it for three to eight days.
A person with a weakened immune system may have more trouble clearing the virus from their system.
Most cases of RSV in healthy adults clear up on their own.
Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a viral infection.
Its symptoms resemble the common cold.
But it can lead to severe lung and airway infections in infants and older adults.
RSV is highly contagious and seasonal, peaking in winter.
Differentiating RSV from a cold or flu can be challenging since symptoms overlap.
Symptoms of RSV that are less common in colds include fever, fatigue, wheezing, and breathing issues.
RSV diagnosis usually doesn’t require testing, especially for healthy people.
Treatment includes resting at home and staying hydrated.
Lab tests include RSV culture, rRT-PCR, and rapid antigen tests.
Combined tests can helpdistinguish RSV from other respiratory infections.
RSV spreads easily through touch, air, and surfaces.
The contagious period begins one to two days before symptoms emerge, lasting up to eight days.
People with a weakened immune system may be contagious for up to four weeks.
Most RSV cases in healthy adults resolve independently with at-home care.
Severe symptoms, especially in infants and high-risk individuals, warrant medical attention.
Notable signs include breathing difficulties, decreased activity, and bluish skin.
An RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibodies offer preventive measures for high-risk groups.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in Infants and Young Children.
