People who become infected with RSV show symptoms within four to six days after the virus enter the body. Initial signs of RSV are similar to mild cold symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, fever, cough and decrease in appetite. Very young infants may be irritable, fatigued and have breathing difficulties.

What do the beginning stages of RSV look like?

The beginning stages of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) look like a common cold, with symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, and decreased appetite, typically appearing 4-6 days after exposure. In very young infants, signs might also include irritability, fussiness, fatigue, and trouble feeding, but as it progresses, wheezing and breathing difficulties can develop, requiring prompt medical attention. 

What are the red flags for RSV?

Go to an emergency room if you or your child has severe RSV symptoms. These include signs of difficulty breathing — like wheezing, flaring nostrils, chest retractions, or bluish or grayish skin color.

How can you tell if you get RSV?

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Fever.
• Severe cough.
• Wheezing — a high-pitched noise that's usually heard on breathing out (exhaling)
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing — the person may prefer to sit up rather than lie down.
• Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis)

How do I tell if I have RSV or a cold?

4 ways to tell you have RSV, not a cold.

1. Wheezing.
2. Shortness of breath.
3. Labored breathing.
4. Higher fevers, usually around 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

RSV: What are the symptoms?

How to test for RSV at home?

Yes, RSV at-home tests are available, with options like the Flowflex Plus RSV + Flu A/B + COVID test allowing detection of RSV, flu, and COVID-19 from a single swab, suitable for adults and children 6 months and older, and you can find them at retailers like Walgreens. 

What are the four signs of respiratory distress?

Learning the signs of respiratory distress

• Breathing rate. An increase in the number of breaths per minute may mean that a person is having trouble breathing or not getting enough oxygen.
• Color changes. ...
• Grunting. ...
• Nose flaring. ...
• Retractions. ...
• Sweating. ...
• Wheezing. ...
• Body position.

How long are you contagious with RSV?

You're contagious with RSV for about 3 to 8 days, starting a day or two before symptoms, but vulnerable individuals like infants or those with weakened immune systems can spread it for up to four weeks, even after feeling better, making hygiene crucial.
 

What comes first with RSV?

This virus is so common that nearly 100% of children catch it before the age of two. In addition to poor appetite, the initial symptoms of RSV are similar to those of a common cold: runny nose, fever, and cough. Very young babies may be fussy, tired, and have trouble breathing.

How long do I need to quarantine if I have RSV?

People with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness. However, some infants and people with weakened immune systems can continue to spread the virus for 4 weeks or longer, even after they stop showing symptoms.

How can I rule out RSV?

Two types of tests are commonly used to diagnose RSV infections:

• Rapid RSV antigen tests are the most common test for RSV. ...
• Molecular tests called RT-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests look for genetic material from the virus in your sample.

What are the red flags for respiratory distress?

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if: you have severe difficulty breathing – you're gasping, choking or not able to get words out. your chest feels tight or heavy. you have pain that spreads to your arms, back, neck and jaw.

When should I seek immediate medical attention?

Trouble breathing or shortness of breath. Choking. Chest or upper belly pain or pressure lasting 2 minutes or more. Fainting, sudden dizziness, or weakness.

What are the signs that a person needs oxygen?

Signs a person needs oxygen include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, confusion, blue-tinged skin/lips/nails (cyanosis), a fast heart rate, headache, dizziness, and excessive fatigue, as these indicate low blood oxygen (hypoxemia). These symptoms occur because the body struggles to get enough oxygen, prompting the heart and lungs to work harder, and can signal serious underlying conditions like COPD or heart disease, requiring prompt medical evaluation, often with a pulse oximeter or blood test. 

Does Walgreens have an at home RSV test?

Flowflex RSV + Flu A/B + Covid Antigen Home Tests, 2.0 ea

to unlock savings and earn myWalgreens cash rewards on every purchase.

What are the warning signs of severe RSV?

Key Symptoms

• Runny nose.
• Fever.
• Cough.
• Short periods without breathing (apnea)
• Trouble eating, drinking, or swallowing.
• Wheezing.
• Flaring of the nostrils or straining of the chest or stomach while breathing.
• Breathing faster than normal, or trouble breathing.

What medication is used for RSV?

Like all colds, there is no medication to cure RSV. However, here's how you can ease your child's discomfort at home: Clear up congestion. If your little one can't (or won't) blow their nose, put a drop or two of nasal saline in each nostril.

When to go to the ER for RSV?

Go to the ER for RSV if you or a child experience severe breathing trouble (fast, labored, grunting, nostrils flaring, chest caving in), blue/gray lips or skin, extreme lethargy, unresponsiveness, pauses in breathing (apnea), or severe dehydration (no wet diapers), especially for infants under 2 months old. These symptoms indicate a medical emergency needing immediate advanced care like oxygen or IV fluids.
 

What happens if RSV is left untreated?

Bronchiolitis. RSV also can increase the risk for bronchiolitis, a lung infection that causes inflammation of the small airways in your lungs. It makes breathing difficult, causes wheezing and low oxygen levels in the body and can even lead to respiratory failure.

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