With winter approaching, upper respiratory infection cases are rising rapidly. There are many different kinds of upper respiratory infections which spread during these months. RSV and the flu are two viral infections which affect the respiratory system and can cause severe illnesses for certain individuals. Keep reading to learn more about diagnosing and treating cases of these illnesses.
If you’re feeling sick and suspect you have an upper respiratory infection, visit AFC Urgent Care Edgewater. Our walk-in urgent care clinic in Edgewater and Annapolis, MD offers same-day illness care. Simply walk in for same-day care, or save your spot in advance online using the button below.
Understanding the Connection Between Flu and RSV Symptoms
The flu and RSV are both contagious viral infections that primarily affect the respiratory system. This includes the airway, sinuses and lungs. Although they are caused by different viruses, both illnesses can result in similar symptoms including the following:
- Fever
- Severe Cough
- Body aches
- Chills
- Runny nose
- Loss of appetite
With so many overlapping symptoms, it can be difficult to differentiate the flu from cases of RSV. However, cases of RSV are more likely to cause symptoms which impact the lungs. This can include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain.
Treatment Options
Both the flu and RSV can cause severe symptoms, even in healthy adults. However, individuals are at a higher risk of becoming seriously sick or even experiencing life-threatening symptoms from the flu and RSV if they have underlying heart or lung conditions, are immuno-compromised, or are elderly or very young.
Prevention Tips
There are vaccines available for both RSV and the flu. Healthcare professionals recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months receive the flu vaccine. Meanwhile, RSV vaccines are only available for especially at-risk individuals like patients older than 65 and pregnant women. You can speak to your healthcare provider about your eligibility. Vaccines not only protect you from severe symptoms if you were to contact RSV or the flu, but it also helps reduce the spread of RSV and the flu, helping to protect anyone who is not eligible for the vaccines.
Visit AFC Edgewater for Same-Day Illness Symptom Care
If you’re feeling under the weather and experiencing symptoms of an upper respiratory infection like the flu or RSV, it is vital that you closely monitor your symptoms. If your symptoms are worsening significantly over time, or are severe, you need to seek medical care for treatment to prevent complications.
At AFC Urgent Care Edgewater, our walk-in urgent care clinic offers same-day care for upper respiratory infections like RSV and the flu. Your medical provider will perform diagnostic testing at the time of your visit for an accurate diagnosis and review treatment options to manage your symptoms. Our clinic is open 7 days a week, and we accept most medical insurance plans. Walk into the clinic today, or contact us directly to learn more by calling (410) 956-3394.
