Influenza Testing

If you’re experiencing flu symptoms, you might want to have an influenza test to confirm it. WellCare Urgent Care center offers influenza testing for quick and accurate results so we can give you a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.


Visit an Urgent Care Center for Influenza Testing

Influenza is a common contagious illness, but there is a new vaccination available each autumn for several strains of this viral infection.

The symptoms from influenza include:

  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Earaches
  • Chills
  • Vomiting
  • Painful joints
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore throat
  • Sinus congestion
  • Fatigue
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Aching muscles
  • Headaches

Most individuals can recover from influenza naturally in approximately 10 days, but it is possible to have a complication from this infection. For senior citizens and infants, influenza is particularly dangerous, leading to complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis that can require hospitalization.

How Long Does It Take to Get the Results from an Influenza Test?

If you have a heart or lung condition that makes it dangerous to have illnesses such as influenza, then getting a test for the disease as quickly as possible can reduce your chances of having a complication. To learn if you have influenza, you can visit an urgent care center where a physician can perform rapid influenza diagnostic tests. These tests are completed in approximately 15 minutes by finding the antigens that are creating an immune response in your body. A physician will collect the mucus from your nose to test it for signs of the antigens. There are also viral culture tests for influenza that can take as long as 10 days for a result, but these aren’t as useful for a beginning effective treatment for the illness.

Request a Test As Soon As Possible

When you believe that you or a child has influenza, it is vital to have the rapid influenza diagnostic test during the first three to four days of the illness to begin a treatment plan. A physician won’t prescribe antibiotics when you only have influenza, but if you have another condition with the illness, including strep throat or tonsillitis, then these medications are essential for these infections.

Early Treatment for Influenza Can Reduce the Number of Days That You Are Sick

A physician can prescribe anti-viral medications for influenza, and studies reveal that early treatment with these drugs can shorten the amount of time that you are sick by one to two days. You should begin treatment with these types of medications during the first two days of your illness, and by taking these drugs as soon as possible, you can prevent some of the dangerous complications that can lead to hospitalization.

Come into WellCare

If you have any symptoms of influenza it is imperative that you see a medical professional right away to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan started. Come into WellCare Urgent Care today to learn more about influenza tests. You can book an immediate appointment online at our Cascade and Leonard offices.

Should I visit Urgent Care or Emergency Room?

Urgent Care

When you have any medical condition that is non-life threatening or have general medical needs, then an Urgent Care center can take care of these. WellCare Urgent Care takes care of a variety of medical concerns such as the flu, vaccinations, physicals, allergy symptoms, and more.

WellCare Urgent care is convenient because it is quick and cost-effective.

Average visit time: 1 hour
Average cost: $150

Emergency Room

Emergency care is necessary when you are suffering from a life-threatening condition. This could be a heart attack, stroke, head injury, or other trauma that requires more advanced treatment. If you or someone you love has a life-threatening illness or injury, then you need to call 911 and get to the closest Emergency Room.

Emergency Rooms, while the best option for serious trauma, do take time and are costly.

Average Time Spent: 4.5 hours
Average Cost Per Visit: $1700

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