When to Test for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Anonym
/ 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. 

Print
16524

Theme picker


 

 

 

A Very Unusual Road Race

Matthew Vernon, MD, radiation oncologist at the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, and his wife Elisa Donato love running road races. In just the last 2 years, the couple has completed one full marathon, nearly 30 half marathons, and a generous sprinkling of races of other distances. They love to get the finisher medals at the ends of their races and take great pride in their extensive collection of them.

In February, they set out on a trip to run a 20-mile trail race up and down a volcano on an island in shark-filled Lake Nicaragua. And they thought that race would be their most unique of the year.

Matt and Elisa were training for their second full marathon, scheduled for April 26th in New Jersey, when COVID-19 hit.

"Of course the race was canceled," Dr. Vernon remembers. "But we couldn't be marathon-ready and not run." They had toyed with the idea of organizing a race of their own, so this seemed like the time to do it.

That is how the COVID Bridges Marathon/Half Marathon/10K/5K/AnyK was born. (The name is a quippy take on the popular Covered Bridges Half Marathon that happens in Woodstock, VT, each year. And yes, their marathon course also included covered bridges.)

Once the name stuck, they designed and ordered a finisher medal for everyone who signed up.

And as long as they were going to the trouble to start a virtual/distanced road race in the middle of a pandemic, why not raise some money, too? They started a Facebook group and a GoFundMe page, set a goal of $1,000, and designated the Cancer Center as the recipient. They recommended an entry fee of $10 per person, and lots of people signed up, including many colleagues from Southwestern Vermont Health Care.

"We were originally going to pick April 26, the same day as our marathon, but we thought we had a better chance for good weather in May," Dr. Vernon shared. They picked May 9. That day turned out to include heavy snow.

As a virtual race, however, they clarified that the run could occur at the time of the participant’s choosing, over the course of their choosing, of any distance. A few even bicycled in place of running. Many participants brought their kids along.

The event raised $1,045 for the Cancer Center. And people had a good time bonding over running and walking during this unusual time.

"In the end it was a great experience," Dr. Vernon said. "We had a blast, inspired some people to get out of the house, and raised some money for a good cause. And those medals will certainly inspire unique feelings when we see them hanging there among our collection."

 

Theme picker


Theme picker


Theme picker


Our Services

PARTNERSHIP IS POWERFUL MEDICINE

A commitment to excellence and a patient-centered approach sets Southwestern Vermont Health Care apart.

 Cancer Care
 Orthopedics
 Emergency
 Maternity
 Primary Care
 ExpressCare
 Cardiology
 Rehab & Residential Care
View All Services

Theme picker

Theme picker

Theme picker

Theme picker

Theme picker