While RSV usually presents mild symptoms and goes away on its own after a week or two, some cases of the virus can evolve into more serious infections, such as bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis occurs when the small airways in the lungs become inflamed.

RSV can also lead to pneumonia, a serious infection of the lungs that can make it difficult to breathe.

These conditions are most likely to occur in children under the age of 1, so it’s important to monitor the symptoms to ensure that RSV isn’t worsening.

While most healthy adults and infants that contract RSV can fight it off on their own without hospitalization, those with compromised immunity may need additional medical care – especially if they’re having trouble breathing or are severely dehydrated.

Most cases of RSV are mild and clear up on their own. However, severe cases can lead to infection, especially in those that have a developing or compromised immune system. This includes children under a year of age, premature infants, seniors, and those suffering from some pre-existing medical conditions.
 
RSV has the potential to evolve into a more serious medical condition, such as pneumonia (an infection of the lungs) or bronchiolitis (inflammation of the airways in the lungs), which can often make it harder to breathe. These infections will not go away on their own and require medical intervention in order to be treated.
 
Infections can also cause pre-existing heart and lung conditions to worsen and, in rare cases, can lead to congestive heart failure.

Unfortunately, it is possible to contract strep throat and RSV at the same time.
 
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that impacts the throat and tonsils. It is caused by a bacterium known as group A streptococcus and results in a very sore and inflamed throat, difficulty swallowing, and tenderness around the throat and jaw. Just like RSV, strep throat is very contagious and spreads from person to person easily.
 
It can be hard to identify if you have strep throat and RSV at the same time because they present some similar symptoms. However, strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics to treat and will not go away on its own. For this reason, it’s important to go and see your primary care physician as soon as possible. They will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and start you on a treatment plan, whether you have RSV, a sore throat, or both.

While most cases of RSV resolve on their own, some evolve into more serious infections that require additional medical attention. Those experiencing any of the following symptoms should contact their primary care physician or visit urgent care as soon as possible:

● Difficulty breathing (including rapid or uneven breathing, wheezing, or grunting while breathing)
● Dehydration
● Flaring nostrils
● Head bobbing with breathing
● Skin that’s begun to turn gray or blue, especially around the tongue, lips, nail beds, or skin
● Extreme fatigue and lethargy

If you or someone in your family is experiencing respiratory distress due to RSV or a related illness, the doctors at League Health can help. Our doctors are experienced in diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of your problem to get you back to feeling healthy as soon as possible. Contact us today or book an appointment online to get the quality care you deserve. We are conveniently located at 23541 Westheimer Pkwy Suite 160, Katy TX 77494. We serve patients from Katy TX, Cinco Ranch TX, Richmond TX, Houston TX, Cypress TX, Fulshear TX, Memorial City TX, and Sugarland TX, and surrounding areas.