When RSV hits, symptoms can escalate quickly—especially for infants, young children, older adults, and anyone with breathing issues. At University Hospitals Urgent Care, we make it easy to get evaluated fast, understand what’s causing symptoms, and get a clear care plan.

We offer walk-in and same-day visits at our Northeast Ohio locations. Our licensed providers can assess cold- and flu-like symptoms, check breathing, and recommend the right next steps. If you or your child needs a higher level of care, we’ll guide you on where to go and what to do next.

Walk in today or book ahead online for evaluation of RSV symptoms.

Common RSV Symptoms

RSV symptoms can vary by age and overall health. In many cases, symptoms are mild and similar to a typical cold. In higher-risk patients, RSV can lead to more significant breathing symptoms.

The following are common symptoms of RSV:

Sore throat
Hoarseness
Cough (dry or wet)
Nasal or chest congestion
Sinus pressure
Low-grade fever
Swollen glands
Sneezing
Runny nose

Severe RSV Symptoms That Require Urgent Medical Attention Include:

Labored or fast breathing
Wheezing
Persistent high fever
Severe sore throat
Trouble feeding (infants)
Dehydration (dry mouth, no tears)
Lethargy or unusual fatigue

We encourage you to go to your nearest urgent care location to get prompt evaluation and care, especially if you or your child is experiencing breathing or hydration issues.

What Causes RSV?

RSV spreads easily and can affect people of all ages. In Ohio, RSV cases often rise in the fall and winter months, when families gather indoors and viruses circulate more quickly. Understanding what causes RSV can help you protect yourself and your loved ones during peak respiratory season.

Close Contact with an Infected Person

RSV spreads through close, personal contact. When someone with RSV coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets carrying the virus enter the air. If you’re nearby, you can breathe them in. Simple moments, like hugging a child or sharing utensils, can also pass the virus.

Touching Contaminated Surfaces

RSV can live on hard surfaces for hours. Doorknobs, toys, phones, and countertops may carry the virus if touched by someone who is sick. If you touch that surface and then rub your eyes, nose, or mouth, RSV can enter your body and begin to spread.

Direct Contact with Respiratory Secretions

The virus spreads easily through mucus or saliva. For example, wiping a child’s runny nose or helping someone who is coughing can increase your risk. Without proper handwashing, the virus can move from hands to face and cause infection.

Crowded Indoor Environments

RSV spreads more easily in crowded places, especially during fall and winter. Daycares, schools, and family gatherings create more opportunities for close contact. When people spend more time indoors together, the virus can pass quickly from one person to another.

How We Evaluate RSV at UH Urgent Care

Our providers evaluate symptoms, listen to the lungs, and assess breathing and oxygen levels when appropriate. We’ll ask about symptom timeline, exposure risks, age-related concerns, and any underlying health conditions.

Depending on symptoms and clinical need, we may recommend testing to help identify or rule out common respiratory viruses and guide your care plan. Our rapid, one-swab PCR testing is designed to detect multiple viruses from a single sample. With same or next-day results from our physician-operated lab, you can start the right treatment right away and feel better, faster.

Get Evaluated for RSV Today — Walk In or Book Ahead

At University Hospitals Urgent Care, our team focuses on easing symptoms, helping you breathe easier, and monitoring for signs that may need a higher level of care. Your treatment plan will depend on your age, symptoms, and overall health.

After an exam, a provider may recommend:

Rest to help your body recover
Increased fluids to prevent dehydration
Fever reducers or pain relievers, when appropriate
Using a cool-mist humidifier to ease congestion
In-office breathing treatments, if needed
Guidance on when to seek emergency care
A higher level of care if symptoms are severe

Antibiotics are not used to treat RSV itself, since it is caused by a virus. However, if a bacterial infection develops, your provider will discuss the next steps with you, and if needed, we may provide a referral to a University Hospitals specialist for follow-up care.

RSV symptoms can be stressful, especially when you’re caring for a child or a higher-risk family member. At UH Urgent Care, you can get a same-day evaluation, clear guidance, and a care plan you can feel confident in. Walk in anytime, or book ahead online now.

Frequently Asked Questions About RSV

How is RSV different from the flu or a cold?

RSV, the flu, and the common cold share similar symptoms, but RSV is more likely to cause breathing issues in infants and older adults. Testing may be needed to confirm which illness you have.