Protect Your Child’s Respiratory Health With an RSV Test in Wildwood, NJ
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common lung infection that affects almost all children before they reach age two. In many cases, the illness is mild, cold-like, and short-lived, and self-care is all that is needed to relieve any discomfort until the infection clears.
With that said, respiratory syncytial virus can sometimes cause serious illness. In the United States, approximately 58,000 children younger than five are hospitalized with RSV each year. If your child has severe or persistent cold-like symptoms, consider taking them to Cape Regional Urgent Care in Wildwood, New Jersey, for a prompt RSV test and effective care. We offer reliable RSV testing for children seven and younger.
Recognizing the Signs of RSV
Usually, RSV is like the common cold, causing symptoms such as:
- Chest congestion
- Coughing
- A runny nose
- A sore throat
- Mild fever
Additionally, infants with respiratory syncytial virus may seem irritable and lethargic.
Typically, RSV symptoms go away within a few days and professional treatment is unnecessary. However, a lingering illness may warrant a trip to our urgent care center for an RSV test. In particular, you should pay close attention to a barking or wheezing cough, which may indicate that the infection has spread to the lower respiratory tract and inflamed the lungs’ airways. Other RSV symptoms that require medical attention include nasal flaring, labored breathing, and bluish lips and fingernails (which can occur due to a lack of oxygen).
How Is RSV Diagnosed?
If we suspect respiratory syncytial virus based on the time of year and your child’s symptoms and medical history, we may suggest an RSV test to confirm the diagnosis. To complete this simple, in-office test, an experienced provider can use a special medical tool (similar to a cotton swab) to gently collect a small sample of mucus from your child’s nose. Alternatively, the provider can pour a sterile saline solution into your child’s nose and then extract the solution with a bulb syringe. We will then test the sample for RSV in our on-site clinical lab.
If we determine that your child has RSV, we may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever or fever reducer, such as acetaminophen, and nasal saline drops and suctioning to help clear their stuffy nose. Until your child recovers, you should keep them comfortable and well-hydrated at home while you continue to watch for signs of worsening illness.
Why Choose Cape Regional Urgent Care for Your Child’s RSV Test?
At Cape Regional Urgent Care, our efficient RSV testing process will ensure a fast and accurate result so your child can feel better faster. Visit our walk-in health clinic in Wildwood, NJ, today. If you prefer, you can also check in online before you leave home. To complement our outstanding medical care, we provide a welcoming environment with a complimentary beverage station, Wi-Fi, and a fun play area for little ones.
