How to Diagnose RSV

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1Recognizing RSV Symptoms

2Working with Your Doctor

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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the respiratory system. This condition is so common, in fact, that most children have experienced it before the age of 2. Although there is no cure for RSV, most cases are mild enough to be handled at home with general supportive care (just as you would do for a common cold). Some severe cases of RSV can result in pneumonia, bronchitis, or other more serious health concerns, and these require professional care.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Recognizing RSV Symptoms

1. 
   1
   Track cold and flu-like symptoms. Most cases of RSV show up like the common cold. These symptoms can be treated with supportive care methods, like over-the-counter medications, plenty of rest, and lots of water. If symptoms remain mild, there is no need for medical care. The most common symptoms of RSV include:

   • Runny or stuffy nose
   • Fever below 100.4 °F (38.0 °C) in children or 104 °F (40 °C) in adults
   • Dry cough
   • Throat pain
   • Mild to moderate headache
2. 
   2
   Look for symptoms similar to pneumonia or bronchitis. In some cases, RSV can settle into the lower respiratory system and cause more serious problems. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should give your doctor a call.

   • Low to high-grade fever
   • Cough
   • Wheezing
   • Difficulty breathing
   • Cyanosis (skin turning blue)
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3. 
   3
   Observe RSV symptoms in infants. Infants are at a higher risk for contracting RSV than older children or adults. Although some of the symptoms of RSV in infants will look the same way as they do in adults (runny nose, for instance) there are some additional clues to watch out for. Newborn babies and infants under 2 months old that are exhibiting symptoms of RSV should see a doctor.

   • Shallow and/or rapid breathing
   • Mild to severe cough
   • Not wanting to eat
   • Extreme tiredness
   • Crankiness
4. 
   4
   Learn about risk factors. Some individuals are more susceptible to contracting RSV than others. The group that is most likely to contract the disease is high-risk infants (infants who are premature or who suffer from other health conditions), followed by healthy infants. But adults with certain health conditions, older children, and even perfectly healthy adults, can contract this virus. Some additional risk factors include:

   • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
   • Congenital heart disease (CHD)
   • Neuromuscular impairment
   • Any type of immunodeficiency
   • Down syndrome
5. 
   5
   Know when to seek medical attention. Anytime you (or someone you love) experiences trouble breathing, a high-grade fever, or skin that is turning blue, especially on the lips and fingernails, seek professional medical attention right away.

   • This is particularly true for individuals at a heightened risk for RSV.
   • For children and adults, a high-grade fever is a temperature above 103 °F (39 °C).
   • For infants under 3 months, any fever above 100.4 °F (38.0 °C) is considered high-grade. From 3-12 months, a fever of 102.2 °F (39.0 °C) is high. A fever of over 105 °F (41 °C) needs immediate medical attention.
   • A fever may need medical attention if it lasts longer than 24-48 hours for those under 2 years old, or if it lasts longer than 48-72 hours for those over 2.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Working with Your Doctor

1. 
   1
   Visit your doctor. If your symptoms persist for more than a week, or if you are experiencing severe symptoms, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor. Before your visit:

   • Write down your symptoms and when they began.
   • Write down any important medical history.
   • If it is a child who may have RSV, record any details about child care.
   • Think about any places you may have come into contact with the RSV virus.
   • Jot down questions any questions you have for the doctor.
2. 
   2
   Have a physical examination. A physical exam may be all that is needed for your doctor to diagnose RSV. Your doctor will look into your eyes, ears, and throat (or those of your sick child). The doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your lungs. The doctor will ask you a series of questions, such as:

   • Can you describe your symptoms?
   • When did these symptoms begin?
   • Have you recently been in contact with small children or large groups of people?
3. 
   3
   Undergo lab and imaging tests. Laboratory and imaging tests aren't usually needed. However, imaging tests can help your doctor monitor lung inflammation and breathing problems. Laboratory tests can help to rule out other possible conditions, detect traces of the virus, and/or monitor the level of oxygen in your blood. Some common tests include:

   • Blood tests
   • Chest X-rays
   • Swab of secretions from inside the mouth or nose
   • Skin monitoring for blood oxygen levels (also called pulse oximetry)
4. 
   4
   Follow up your doctor's appointment with at-home care. Like most viruses, there is no direct treatment for RSV. Instead, you can treat individual symptoms and try to keep yourself healthy and comfortable so you can effectively fight the virus. Some methods of supportive care include:

   • Taking over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), to reduce fever.
   • Using saline drops or spray to help with nasal congestion.
   • Turning on a humidifier.
   • Keeping your room 70–75 °F (21–24 °C).
   • Drinking plenty of fluids.
   • Avoiding cigarette smoke.
5. 
   5
   Help your a child or infant recover at home. Just like adults, most children and infants can recover from RSV on their own. You can help this process by providing supportive care at home to keep them comfortable. Supportive care for children and infants can include:

   • Providing children's acetaminophen to reduce fever (such as Tylenol).
   • Placing a humidifier in the child/infant's room.
   • Making sure they get plenty of rest.
   • Keeping them adequately hydrated.
   • Making sure there is no smoke (cigarette or fireplace) in the home.
   • Keeping the temperature in your home around 70–75 °F (21–24 °C).
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