When to Test for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
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/ Categories: WELLNESS, 2022

When to Test for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects children and some adults. We are experiencing higher levels of RSV in our community, and it is important to understand the expected course of symptoms for adults and children, how to identify patients who are at risk for respiratory complications, and who may benefit from testing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers patients under the age of 2 years to be at the greatest risk of a serious case of RSV. RSV testing is mostly reserved for this age group.

If your young child is experiencing cold-like symptoms, follow the guidance below.

  • Hydrate with formula, breastfeeding, or water, if age appropriate.
  • Clear any nasal drainage and congestion with saline nose drops, bulb syringe, or a nasal aspirator (NoseFrida).
  • Use over-the-counter fever reducers per package instructions for temperatures over 100.3 °F.
  • Monitor for signs of severe illness in young children and infants, including rapid, shallow breathing; periods of not breathing; retractions or “sinking-in” of the spaces between the ribs or below them; flaring or “spreading-out” of the nostrils; or if skin turns blue around the mouth or fingertips.
  • Watch for signs of dehydration, as well, such as poor feeding, reduced wet diapers, dry mouth, reduced energy levels, or uncommon drowsiness.
  • If any of these signs or symptoms develop, please have the infant or child seen by a healthcare provider immediately.

In most cases, RSV causes mild common cold-like symptoms. Neither children nor adults with common cold-like symptoms need testing for a diagnosis. Most RSV infections resolve in 1 – 2 weeks, but the cough can last up to 4 weeks.

For those NOT at high risk, follow the guidance below.

  • Infections of COVID-19 and RSV are very similar and can happen at the same time. Patients with respiratory symptoms should use an at-home rapid antigen test for COVID-19.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, follow the instructions for isolation as listed on the Vermont Department of Health website.
  • If you suspect you have RSV, stay at home and away from others, rest, increase fluids, and try over-the-counter fever-reducing medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Most people with this illness will have mild symptoms and will not need medical care. 
  • Testing is not required, as a healthcare provider can reasonably make a diagnosis of RSV, based on an exam, particularly if community levels are high.
  • You can reduce your risk of contracting RSV by avoiding those who are ill and washing your hands consistently.

Crystal Labbe-Hasty, PA, is a physician assistant at SVMC’s Respiratory Evaluation Center/ExpressCare in Bennington. The practice is part of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and Southwestern Vermont Health Care. 

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Resuming Regular Care

So many important medical appointments were booked for March and April and canceled during the height of the pandemic. Now we are beginning to refocus on the fact that skipping appointments, even if you are feeling well now, could become harmful.

One important group of patients that we are eager to see are those with serious chronic conditions. These diseases require patients to see their primary care provider or a specialist at least once a year and sometimes far more frequently than that. Those with heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for instance, all require regular contact with your provider.

Another group of patients we'd like to see are those with new medical concerns. We know that new medical concerns don't stop during a pandemic. Some conditions, like depression and anxiety, are far more prevalent during a pandemic than before. In many cases, new conditions are easiest to treat when patients first notice symptoms, and delaying care for these conditions can be dangerous.

Even regular care for those who are healthy is as important as ever. Other diseases—cancer in particular—haven't gone away. So, if you would normally be getting a screening such as a colonoscopy or mammogram, it's time to schedule an appointment. Many cancers can be detected and treated early with better outcomes. We can only expect those good results, if people are screened.

For children, regular vaccines are very important. If a big portion of the population neglects to get important childhood vaccines on schedule, we may be susceptible to outbreaks of measles or whooping cough.

There are many steps we have taken to improve safety for those seeking medical care. The first one is the availability of telemedicine. If the condition you are seeking treatment for does not require diagnostics or a physical exam, your provider can meet you virtually using any Internet-enabled device or over the phone. See details here.

If you do need to come to the office, you will notice check-ins at entrances, where staff check patients and visitors for respiratory symptoms and ensure that all are masked. You'll also notice efforts to space the waiting rooms to improve social distancing.

So how do you get the care you need?

  • If you have a primary care provider, call in to see what you may have missed during the pandemic. Did you miss an appointment to manage a chronic condition? Also share any new health concerns you have and check that you and your family members are up to date on all of your screenings and vaccinations.
  • If you don’t have a regular doctor, it makes sense to get one now. Locally, call the find-a-provider line at 802-447-5007 for a directory of practices that are accepting new patients.
  • Those with time-sensitive medical needs can use ExpressCare, a walk-in clinic, on the hospital campus in Bennington. Be sure to call ahead to 802-440-4077 if you have respiratory symptoms.
  • For Emergency Care, always come directly to the SVMC Emergency Department.

Most off all, we want our patients to know that we are here for them. There is no longer a need to delay medical care, whether for known conditions, new concerns, or preventive care. In every step we take, we are protecting patients against COVID-19 and helping patients with all of their other medical needs, too.

Bob Schwartz, MD, is associate medical director of Dartmouth- Hitchcock Putnam Physicians at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington and a family medicine physician at SVMC Northshire Campus in Manchester.

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