This year’s flu season is well underway, and many specialists think it will be one of the most severe flu seasons in over a decade. Here at AdventHealth, we want to have all the information you need to make the best possible decisions about your health care. To help, we’ve compiled information about the flu, including what the flu is, how it spreads, what symptoms to expect, and how to find testing and treatment. We’ve also compiled a list of Palm Coast Centra Care locations, which all offer flu tests and treatment for your convenience.
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.
Table of Contents
An Important Note Before You Read
Table of Contents
What is the Flu?
Flu Season 2022-2023 in Florida
How the Flu Spreads
How Long Is Someone With the Flu Contagious?
How to Prevent the Flu
Symptoms of the Flu
Complications From the Flu
Flu Tests in Palm Coast, Florida
Flu Treatment
Where to Get Tests and Flu Treatment in Palm Coast
Flu FAQs
Our Walk-in Clinics Are Here to Help
What is the Flu?
Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a very common viral infection that attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. There are several strains or types of influenza viruses. Two of these strains, influenza A and B, are responsible for the annual flu season experienced every winter in the United States.
Flu Season 2022-2023 in Florida
Palm Coast, Florida, is well into flu season this year. According to the Florida Department of Public Health, the 2022-2023 flu season began on October 2. You can see detailed statistics about Florida’s flu season and additional information on its spread at the Florida Department of Public Health website.
How the Flu Spreads
The flu spreads through respiratory droplets, which are tiny droplets of moisture that enter the air when a person with the flu sneezes, coughs, or even talks. These droplets enter the mouths or noses of those who are nearby, which allows the virus to enter the body of a new person. The flu can also spread when a person touches a surface that has the virus on it and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
How Long Is Someone With the Flu Contagious?
Healthy adults can be contagious for up to 7 days after they begin to experience symptoms. Children or those with weakened immune systems might be contagious for even longer. People are most contagious within the first 3-4 days after they become sick with the flu, so it is important to be especially careful during this time.
How to Prevent the Flu
The best way to prevent the flu, both for yourself and others, is to get the flu vaccine every year. Centra Care walk-in clinics have flu shots available. Washing your hands often and avoiding touching your nose, eyes, and mouth can also help prevent contracting the flu.
If you start to experience symptoms of the flu, staying home from work, activities, events, and school helps prevent the spread of the virus.
Symptoms of the Flu
Many illnesses have similar symptoms. This means it is difficult to know if your symptoms are caused by the flu, a cold, the flu, COVID-19 or allergies.
Flu Symptoms in Adults
The symptoms most frequently experienced by adults who have the flu are the following:
● Chills
● Dry Cough
● Fatigue
● Fever
● Headache
● Nasal Congestion
● Runny Nose
● Sneezing
● Sore Throat
● Shortness of Breath
● Skin Rash/Discoloration
In what may come as a surprise to many people, less-common symptoms of the flu include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of taste or smell. Although it is rare, some people with flu can be asymptomatic, meaning that they have no symptoms (as with COVID-19).
Flu Symptoms in Children
In children, common flu symptoms include a high fever with chills, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, body aches, dry cough, extreme fatigue, and headaches.
Symptoms in adults and children usually begin about two days after exposure to the virus.
Complications From the Flu
Sometimes, a flu infection can lead to complications, like pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that affects one or both lungs, and it can be life-threatening. Some groups of people are more likely to experience severe complications from flu infections. These groups include children 2 and younger, adults 65 and older, people who are pregnant, and residents of long-term care facilities (like nursing homes). People with chronic conditions like diabetes, liver disease, or asthma are also more likely to develop complications from flu infection.
Flu Tests in Palm Coast, Florida
If you believe you or a loved one might have a flu infection, it's important to see a physician or visit a walk-in clinic, like AdventHealth Centra Care, as early as possible. Getting a confirmed flu diagnosis means you can get treatments that can decrease the length of your illness and reduce the severity of your symptoms.
What Is a Flu Test?
A flu test is a diagnostic medical test that doctors and nurses use to determine whether a person has an active influenza infection. There are several different kinds of flu tests. The most type is called a rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT), which works by detecting antigens, the part of the flu virus that triggers your immune response.
Why Should People Get Flu Tests?
A flu test is the most reliable way to determine if you are infected with the flu. This information can help you and your doctor determine the right treatments to help you feel better quickly and avoid more serious complications. This is especially important in groups that are at higher risk for complications, such as young children, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions. Flu tests also help public health officials keep track of the spread of the virus.
How Is a Flu Test Performed at Centra Care Walk-in Clinics?
If you visit your doctor or a clinic for a flu test, you will likely be given a rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT). A healthcare professional will perform this test by swabbing the inside of your nose. They will then place the swab in a flu testing kit. You’ll often have your results in just a few minutes.
Flu Treatment
Although getting a flu shot every year is important, it isn’t the only option when it comes to flu care. Several medications have been approved by the FDA to treat the flu. Because these medicines are more effective when taken within the first two days of contracting the flu, it is important to get tested and begin flu treatment quickly.
What Flu Treatments Are Available at Palm Coast Walk-In Clinics?
There are several treatment options for the flu, and it is best to consult with a medical professional to determine the most appropriate course of action. The primary treatment for influenza is antiviral drugs, which aid in the body's fight against viral infections. These drugs can mitigate the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the infection. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four drugs for the treatment of influenza, including Oseltamivir Phosphate, which is commonly known by the brand name Tamiflu®.
Tamiflu® or a generic alternative can be obtained at most Centra Care locations for only $30. If you or a loved one tests positive for influenza, you can get this medication on-site, saving you an extra trip to the pharmacy.
In addition to antiviral medication, a healthcare provider may also recommend supportive care such as hydration, pain management, and fever reduction to alleviate symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention promptly, either from your doctor or at a clinic, if you are experiencing influenza-like symptoms in order to receive the appropriate treatment.
When Should I See a Doctor for Flu Symptoms?
You should see a doctor or visit a clinic within two days of experiencing symptoms of the flu. Many people assume that the flu is something that doesn’t require a visit to a healthcare professional, but in reality, the flu can be very serious.
Even if you aren’t part of a group that has a high risk of flu complications, visiting a clinic or seeing a doctor can help you feel better faster, and reduce the severity of your symptoms with antiviral flu treatments that can help you avoid severe symptoms and feel better faster.
What Are the Benefits of Getting Flu Treatment?
Getting flu treatment, like antiviral medications, can help you feel better faster, and it can reduce the severity of your symptoms. Getting treatment for the flu is particularly important for individuals with chronic medical conditions, because they are at a higher risk of severe complications like pneumonia.
If you suspect that you have contracted the flu, visit a clinic or see a healthcare professional for testing and treatment. Antiviral drugs are more effective when administered within 48 hours of symptom onset, so don’t want to see a doctor.
Where to Get Tests and Flu Treatment in Palm Coast
With more than 50 convenient locations and a wide variety of urgent care services, AdventHealth Centra Care is making it easy to get the flu tests and treatments you need. Review the list below for the nearest walk-in clinic.
Flagler County
- Palm Coast
1270 Palm Coast Parkway Northwest
Palm Coast, FL 32137
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 - Oviedo
8010 Red Bug Lake Road
Oviedo, FL 32765 - Sanford
4451 West 1st Street
Sanford, FL 32771
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
Osceola County
- Hunter's Creek
3293 Greenwald Way North
Kissimmee, FL 34741 - Kissimmee
4320 West Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34746 - Orange Lake
8201 West Irlo Bronson Highway
Kissimmee, FL 34747 - Poinciana
3759 Pleasant Hill Road
Kissimmee, FL 34746 - St. Cloud
4660 13th Street
Saint Cloud, FL 34769
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
Polk County
- Lakeland
3637 US Hwy 98 North
Lakeland, FL 33809 - Winter Haven
7375 Cypress Gardens Boulevard
Winter Haven, FL 33884
