Influenza Testing

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Influenza Testing

When should I undergo influenza testing? For the most accurate results, you should test as soon as you begin having flu symptoms. Generally, it is best to undergo testing within 4 days from the start of your symptoms. Is it possible to test positive for flu after having it? In very young children, flu viruses may be shed for longer periods. This means that testing following having the flu may still show a positive result. This may also be true for immunosuppressed persons. What are the side effects of the flu vaccine? Flu vaccine side effects are typically mild and will resolve on their own within a few days. Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site may occur. Some people may also experience headaches, fever, nausea, muscle aches, or fatigue. Can I take Tylenol after a flu shot? Yes, taking a pain reliever such as Tylenol an hour or so before or right after your flu shot may help to reduce swelling and soreness. How accurate is a rapid flu test? The accuracy of a rapid flu test may vary depending on the manufacturer, individual patient factors, and how many cases of flu are in the community.

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.