Get the Peace of Mind You Need With an RSV Test in Cape May, NJ
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of childhood illness, especially in babies and toddlers. Much like the common cold and flu viruses, RSV is easily spread through respiratory droplets that become airborne whenever an infected person coughs or sneezes. In healthy children and adults, the symptoms are generally mild and go away after a few days of home care. Most people feel better after resting, drinking plenty of water, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or fever reducer. Usually, no further treatment—or RSV test—is needed.
In some cases, however, RSV can cause a severe infection that may progress into pneumonia or bronchiolitis (airway inflammation). Those at heightened risk include premature babies, infants, older adults, individuals with heart or lung disease, and anyone with a weakened immune system. If RSV is suspected in a high-risk individual, it is essential to seek medical attention right away.
To confirm or rule out a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus in a child aged 7 or younger, an experienced healthcare provider at Cape Regional Urgent Care can perform an RSV test in our office. We serve patients of all ages from Cape May, New Jersey.
How Do You Know if You Need an RSV Test?
Signs of respiratory syncytial virus may become noticeable within 4 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. Often, the symptoms mimic those of the common cold, such as:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion or a runny nose
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- A low-grade fever
- A headache
In infants, possible signs of RSV include shallow breathing, unusual tiredness, irritability, and poor feeding.
It is important to seek emergency care for severe RSV symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, high fever, and blue-tinged skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds. In these instances, we urge you to call 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital ER. Otherwise, you are welcome to visit Cape Regional Urgent Care for a prompt RSV test.
The Wait Is Over: Get the Excellent Care You Deserve
When you visit Cape Regional Urgent Care with a possible RSV infection, we will begin by asking about your symptoms and performing a physical examination. For a child aged 7 or younger, we may also order a rapid RSV test, which involves using a cotton swab to collect a sample of nasal fluid and testing the sample in our in-house lab for certain proteins (antigens) associated with RSV. Once we confirm your diagnosis, we can suggest an appropriate treatment plan to help you feel better.
For more information, contact Cape Regional Urgent Care today, or stop by our walk-in clinic to find out if you could benefit from an RSV test. If you would like, you can also check in online. We offer a wide range of health services in Cape May, NJ.
