Health Care

Flu Season in Florida

Where to get flu treatments near Orlando

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A small headshot picture of doctor Timothy Hendrix
Reviewed by: Dr. Timothy Hendrix, AdventHealth Centra Care’s Medical Director

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a viral infection that attacks the lungs, nose and throat. Florida is already well into flu season, and many people are looking for answers.

To help you make the best healthcare choices for you and your loved ones, we’ve gathered helpful information and resources about flu season. In this post, you’ll learn more about the spread of the flu, flu prevention tips, and where you can go to get flu tests and treatment near you.

An Important Note Before You Read

Don’t use this blog as a substitute for a medical diagnosis. If you or someone you know doesn’t feel well, talk with your doctor right away. You can easily have a video visit with one of our online providers through the AdventHealth app.

A screenshot of the AdventHealth App.
A screenshot of the AdventHealth App.

Table of Contents

  • An Important Note Before You Read
  • Table of Contents
  • 2023 Flu Season in Florida
  • How the Flu Spreads
  • Flu Shots and Flu Prevention
  • Symptoms of the Flu
  • Flu Testing in Florida
  • Florida Flu Treatment
  • Flu Tests and Treatment in Florida
    • Volusia County
    • Seminole County
    • Flagler County
    • Orange County
    • West Florida
  • Health and Wellness During Flu Season

2023 Flu Season in Florida

The flu is more common during flu season. Flu season occurs during the colder months, starting as early as October and sometimes continuing into May, although it usually peaks between December and February. You can learn more about the spread of the flu in each Florida county at the Florida Department of Public Health website.

How the Flu Spreads

The flu can spread in a few ways. The most common way is through small droplets of moisture, called respiratory droplets, which enter the air when someone who has a flu infection sneezes, coughs, or talks. It is also possible to contract the flu if you touch a surface that has the flu virus on it then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.

Those who contract the flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after symptom onset. But healthy adults can be contagious for up to a week after becoming sick, and children or those with weakened immune systems might be contagious for even longer.

Flu Shots and Flu Prevention

Getting the flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself from the flu. According to the CDC, flu shots prevent millions of infections every year. Getting a flu vaccine can protect you from getting sick. And if you do get sick, your symptoms will likely be less severe. Flu shots also reduce the risk of hospitalizations due to flu-related complications, and they can help protect those around you.

In addition to getting an annual flu vaccine, it’s important to wash your hands often, avoid touching your face when possible and avoid contact with people who are sick. When you feel sick, it is important to stay home and avoid contact with others to help prevent the spread of the flu.

Woman Sneezing Outdoors
A woman sneezing outdoors.

Symptoms of the Flu

Many illnesses have similar symptoms. When you start to feel sick, it can be difficult to know if you have COVID-19, the flu, a cold or allergies.

Flu symptoms usually begin about two days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms in adults include:

  • Chills
  • Dry Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Runny Nose
  • Sneezing
  • Sore Throat
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Skin Rash/Discoloration

Though it might be surprising for some people, less-common symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some people also experience a loss of taste or smell. While it is rare, some people with flu can be asymptomatic, meaning that they don’t experience any symptoms.

The flu can lead to complications like pneumonia. Certain groups are more likely to experience flu complications, including adults aged 65 and older, children aged 2 and younger and people who are pregnant. People with certain chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma also have a higher risk of developing flu complications.

Coronavirus vs. Flu vs cold symptoms infographic - Adventhealth
An infographic of Coronavirus vs. Flu symptoms

Flu Testing in Florida

If you or a loved one is experiencing flu symptoms, it's important to visit a flu walk-in clinic, like AdventHealth Centra Care, or see a physician as soon as you can. Early flu diagnosis and proper treatment can help you feel better faster and reduce the risk of complications.

A flu test helps medical professionals determine whether you have the flu or not. There are several different types of flu tests, with the most common type being a rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT). This test is performed by taking a swab of the inside of your nose. The swab is then placed in the flu test kit, which will give your healthcare provider results in only a few minutes.

Flu tests help your healthcare professional determine the best treatment for your illness. If you have the flu, there are treatments, like antiviral drugs, that can help you feel better faster and make your symptoms less severe. While many people think they should just wait out the flu at home, it can be a very serious illness. Getting tested and treated can reduce your risk of complications, reduce the length of your illness and lessen the severity of your symptoms.

A Doctor Speaks to Her Patient in an Exam Room While Going Over His Charts on a Laptop.

Florida Flu Treatment

There are several flu treatments available, and a medical professional can help you determine which one is right for you. The most common flu treatments are antiviral drugs, which help your body fight viral infections. The FDA has approved several drugs to treat the flu:

  • Tamiflu®
  • Relenza®
  • Rapivab®
  • Xofluza®

Tamiflu® is available onsite at most Centra Care locations for just $30. If you test positive for the flu, you can get this flu treatment at all of our Florida locations without having to make an extra trip to the pharmacy. Get in quick, and start feeling better faster.

Most people know that the flu can be a serious illness, but many assume that flu symptoms are just something to tough out. In reality, the flu can be deadly, particularly for vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly. As a result, it's important to seek flu treatment as soon as possible if you or someone you know is showing signs of the flu.

Early treatment can help to lessen the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness. In some cases, it can even prevent serious complications like pneumonia. Visit a walk-in clinic or make an appointment with your doctor today if you are experiencing symptoms of the flu.

Flu Tests and Treatment in Florida

Centra Care has more than 50 convenient locations and a wide range of urgent care services. Get the rapid flu tests and treatments you need at a walk-in clinic near you.

Volusia County

Daytona
1014 West International Speedway Boulevard

Daytona, FL 32114

DeLand
2293 South Woodland Boulevard

DeLand, FL 32720

Orange City
1360 Saxon Boulevard

Orange City, FL 32763

Ormond Beach
1245 West Granada Boulevard

Ormond Beach, FL 32174

Port Orange
1208 Dunlawton Avenue

Port Orange, FL 32127

Seminole County

Altamonte Springs

440 West State Road 436

Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

Lake Mary

2948 West Lake Mary Boulevard

Lake Mary, FL 32746

Longwood
855 North US Highway 17-92

Longwood, FL 32750

Ovideo

8010 Red Bug Lake Road

Oviedo, FL 32765

Sanford

4451 West 1st Street

Sanford, FL 32771

Flagler County

Palm Coast

1270 Palm Coast Parkway Northwest

Palm Coast, FL 32137

Orange County

Apopka
1520 West Orange Blossom Trail

Apopka, FL 32712

Azalea Park

509 South Semoran Boulevard

Orlando, FL 32807

Colonial Town

630 North Bumby Avenue

Orlando, FL 32803

Conway
5810 South Semoran Boulevard

Orlando, FL 32822

Dr. Phillips

8014 Conroy-Windermere Road, Suite 104

Orlando, FL 32835

Horizon West
9225 Miley Drive, Suite 100

Winter Garden, FL 34787

Lake Buena Vista
12500 South Apopka Vineland Road

Orlando, FL 32836

Lake Nona
9637 Lake Nona Village Place

Orlando, FL 32827

Lee Road
2540 Lee Road

Winter Park, FL 32789

Ocoee
11001 West Colonial Drive, Suite 110

Ocoee, FL 34761

Sand Lake

2301 Sand Lake Road

Orlando, FL 32809

South Orange

2609 South Orange Avenue

Orlando, FL 32806

University

11550 University Boulevard

Orlando, FL 32817

Waterford Lakes

250 North Alafaya Trail, Suite 135

Orlando, FL 32828

Winter Garden
3005 Daniels Road

Winter Garden, FL 34787

Winter Park

3099 Aloma Avenue

Winter Park, FL 32792

Lake County

Clermont
15701 State Road 50, Suite 101

Clermont, FL 34711
Leesburg
1103 North 14th Street

Leesburg, FL 34748

Mount Dora
19015 US Highway 441

Mount Dora, FL 32757

West Florida

Brandon
10222 Bloomingdale Ave

Riverview, FL 33578

Carrollwood
4001 West Linebaugh Avenue
Tampa, FL 33624

Citrus Park

6930 Gunn Highway

Tampa, FL 33625

Lakeland
3637 US Hwy 98 North

Lakeland, FL 33809

Ocala
3708 Southwest College Road

Ocala, FL 34474

South Tampa
301 North Dale Mabry Highway

Tampa, FL 33609

Temple Terrace
5802 East Fowler Avenue

Temple Terrace, FL 33617

Trinity
11826 State Road 54

Odessa, FL 33556

Wesley Chapel
1127 Bruce B Downs Boulevard

Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

Winter Haven
7375 Cypress Gardens Boulevard

Winter Haven, FL 33884

Health and Wellness During Flu Season

Centra Care is here for you and your family this cold and flu season. If you or a loved one has flu symptoms, make sure you visit your doctor or walk-in clinic as soon as possible. With early treatment, you can feel better faster. In some cases, it can even prevent serious complications like pneumonia. Schedule your appointment today or walk in to your local Centra Care location so we can get you on the road to recovery.

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