According to the CDC, “Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually
causes mild, cold-like symptoms.” Since 2020, many patients have been heading to Preferred Urgent Care in Katy or
Fulshear, TX, when they think they may have COVID and RSV. Many people ask our staff, “Is RSV a coronavirus?”
Healthcare professionals need to let patients know these are two different diseases that do not correlate. RSV
causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages. Here’s everything you need to know about this virus.

RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV) – SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

We encourage each patient to be aware of symptoms of RSV in newborns, RSV symptoms in toddlers, and symptoms of RSV
in adults. Signs of RSV may start to show four to six days after you’ve been exposed to the virus. RSV incubation
period may vary depending on the patient’s age.

Some of the most common signs we see at Preferred Urgent Care for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections are:

• Congested or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Low-grade fever
• Headache

If you’re concerned about RSV during pregnancy or RSV in adults with asthma, please contact your primary care
provider.

RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS TRANSMISSION

It’s crucial to be aware of the respiratory syncytial virus precautions to keep you and your family safe. If you or
someone you love is sick, you may be wondering, “how long are you contagious with RSV?” People who are infected with
RSV sickness are usually contagious for three to eight days.

The RSV contagious period is different for infants and children, usually lasting as long as four weeks. It’s best to
stay isolated during this time. If you’re wondering how long does RSV last, much like other respiratory viruses, the
healthier you are, the quicker it will be gone.

URGENT CARE RSV TEST

At Preferred Urgent Care in Katy and Fulshear, TX, we want our patients to have access to RSV diagnostics and the RSV
vaccine if needed. If you’ve been searching online for “RSV testing near me,” our team of friendly and caring
medical professionals is here to help.

We offer several different types of RSV testing:

• Swab test: A health care provider will use a special swab to take a sample from the nose or
  throat.
• A blood test: During the blood test, our health care professional will use a small needle to
  take a blood sample from a vein in the arm.
• Nasal aspirate: A health care provider will inject a saline solution into the nose and then
  remove the sample with gentle suction.