For a couple of months, COVID-19 cases were steadily declining. Many of us took our masks off and began to stop socially distancing, which unfortunately led to other illnesses being introduced into our lives.

According to the CDC, another respiratory illness, RSV, is on the rise in the South. Learn more about it from our AFC Urgent Care Easley team below.

What Is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It mostly affects children, and it’s so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2.

Respiratory syncytial virus can also infect adults, and its symptoms are mild and typically mimic the common cold; however, symptoms can be much more severe among infants and young children. RSV rates began rising in South Carolina in late May and are still at high levels currently. We’ve listed the most common RSV symptoms below.

Common RSV Symptoms

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

Should I Get Tested for a Respiratory Illness?

If you’ve experienced any of the above symptoms or have been around someone who is showing those symptoms, then yes, you should get tested.

At AFC Urgent Care Easley, we offer rapid tests for conditions such as the flu, COVID-19 and strep that provide accurate results in 15 minutes or less, and you don’t even need an appointment to get tested! Remember to exercise the health-safety precautions that we’ve listed below before getting tested if you believe you’re sick.

Health-Safety Precautions

• Frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• If you don’t have access to soap and water, use alcohol-rich hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or elbow when you sneeze or cough.

Don’t hesitate to stop by our AFC Urgent Care Easley location today to get a rapid test! We’re here for you now and always.