Rapid RSV Testing in Knoxville TN – 6108 Kingston Pike
Our AFC location on Kingston Pike offers the most accurate rapid RSV test near you. Results are usually under 30 minutes after being seen. Most insurance cover test costs.
Does AFC offer RSV testing?
If you think you have RSV, visit our Kingston Pike Knoxville location for a Rapid RSV Test. Our Rapid Molecular test for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is quick and accurate with no appointment necessary. Results are typically available in less than 30 minutes after being seen. AFC Urgent Care only sees patients that are 6 months of age or older.
What is RSV ?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes severe lung infections and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the smallest airways) and pneumonia (lung infection) in young children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that every year, RSV leads to around 58,000 hospitalizations and 100 to 300 deaths in children under 5. The virus is easily passed through contact with respiratory secretions and close contact with an infected person. The virus can survive on surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, and toys for several hours.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
The most common symptom of RSV is a mild to moderate respiratory illness with a cough, fever and wheezing much like a cold.
More serious symptoms include:
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Serious cough
- Breathing faster than normal or trouble breathing
- Blue skin color
In infants, the only symptoms of RSV may be:
- Acting cranky or irritable
- Moving less than usual
- Lack of appetite
- Pauses in breathing
- AFC Urgent Care only sees patients that are 6 months of age or older
In mild cases, symptoms usually last for 3 to 8 days. Most healthy adults with RSV experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing for less than 5 days. Some infants and young children may have more serious problems such as pneumonia, if their fever and cough worsen.
Are there certain people or groups at more risk of getting RSV?
People at greater risk for RSV include:
- Infants, especially those 6 months and younger
- Older adults, especially those 65 years and older
- People with heart or lung diseases
- People with weakened immune systems
Why do I need an RSV test?
If you start experiencing a runny nose, headache, cough or other common symptoms, you might need an RSV test. RSV is a virus that causes these symptoms. Infants, young children and adults over 65 should especially take an RSV test when any mild or serious symptoms occur. More serious symptoms include:
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Serious cough
- Breathing faster than normal or trouble breathing
- Blue skin color
In infants less than six months old, the only symptoms of RSV may be:
- Acting cranky or irritable
- Moving less than usual
- Lack of appetite
- Pauses in breathing
What happens during an RSV test?
A rapid RSV test is quick and simple. One of our medical professionals will collect a sample of mucus from your nose using a swab. Our Rapid Molecular RSV Tests typically have results under 30 minutes. Visit our Kingston Pike Knoxville location within the first few days of symptoms or as soon as possible for the most accurate results.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
No, there is no special preparation for an RSV Test.
Are there any risks to the test?
RSV testing is safe and simple. The only downside to RSV testing is the brief discomfort or gag you feel when the swab is in your nose.
What do the results mean?
A negative result from the RSV test means that there were no signs of the RSV virus found in the sample. This could be indicative of another illness causing the symptoms. While our Molecular While a Rapid RSV test is very accurate, there is still the possibility of a false negative. Your provider can give you more information about this.
When the result is positive, it indicates that you likely have an RSV infection.
If babies, toddlers, or elderly adults are having difficulty breathing or have become dehydrated from losing too much fluid, they may require treatment that could include oxygen and IV fluids.
Is there anything else I need to know about an RSV test?
If you’re displaying symptoms of RSV but are otherwise healthy, your doctor probably won’t test you for it. Most healthy adults and children who have RSV will recover within 1-2 weeks.
Are there any anti-viral medications like Tamiflu to treat RSV?
Unlike the flu or covid, there are not currently any prescription anti-viral drugs available to treat RSV. Your AFC provider can recommend over-the-counter medicines and drinking lots of fluids to help with your symptoms. As mentioned before, most healthy adults and children with RSV will get better in 1-2 weeks.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4652120/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88309/
https://medlineplus.gov/respiratorysyncytialvirusinfections.html