Influenza, or the flu, is a common and very contagious viral infection. You may have heard of the two main types: type A and type B. These strains are responsible for flu season every year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season in the United States can begin as early as October and continue into May. This November 2022, we are already well into flu season, and it looks to be one of the most severe flu seasons in over a decade. You can track Florida’s flu season statistics at the Florida Department of Public Health website.
At AdventHealth Centra Care, we want to help you make the best choices for you and your loved ones. In this round-up, we’ve gathered helpful information about flu symptoms, testing, and treatment. We’ve also compiled a list of Orlando Centra Care locations, all of which offer flu tests and treatment.
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.
Symptoms of the Flu
It can be hard to know if your high fever and cough are due to the flu or another illness, like a cold or COVID-19. Symptoms of the flu can range from mild to severe.
The most common symptoms include:
- Chills
- Dry Cough
- Fatigue Sometimes
- Fever
- Headache
- Nasal Congestion
- Runny Nose
- Sneezing
- Sore Throat
- Shortness of Breath
- Skin Rash/Discoloration
Less-common symptoms include a loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Flu Complications
In some cases, the flu also can lead to pneumonia, which is an infection in one or both lungs. This type of infection can be potentially life-threatening. Severe complications from the flu are more likely to occur in people with certain risk factors, including people who are pregnant, children aged 2 and younger, adults 65 and older, and residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. People with chronic conditions like asthma, liver disease, or diabetes are also at higher risk of developing complications from the flu.
Flu Testing in Orlando, Florida
Si cree que usted o un miembro de su familia puede tener gripe, es importante que consulte a un médico o visite una clínica sin cita previa, como AdventHealth Centra Care, dentro de las 48 horas. Tiene una ventana de 48 horas después de que se presenten los síntomas para hacerse la prueba y tratarse con medicamentos. El diagnóstico y tratamiento tempranos de la gripe pueden ayudar a reducir la gravedad de sus síntomas y mejorar sus resultados de salud.
What is a Flu Test?
An influenza test, or flu test, is a diagnostic tool used to determine whether you have the flu or not. There are several different types of flu tests. The most common type is a rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT). This test works by detecting antigens, the part of the flu virus that triggers your immune response.
Why is it Important to Get a Flu Test?
The flu test is the best way to confirm whether or not you have the flu so you can get the treatment you need. Even though many people think of the flu as a minor illness, it can be very serious. Getting proper treatment quickly can ensure you feel better faster, and it can help you avoid complications. Flu tests also help public health officials track the spread of the virus.
How is a Flu Test Performed?
When you visit the doctor or a clinic with flu symptoms, you will likely be given a flu test. The rapid flu test is the most common, and it involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose. You might feel a slight tickle when this happens, but patients rarely experience discomfort. The swab is then placed in a testing kit, which will give your healthcare provider results within a few minutes.
What are the Benefits of Getting a Flu Test in Orlando?
Flu tests are important because they can help you and your healthcare provider make decisions about treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of the flu is important for two reasons. First, it can help people who are at high risk for complications from the flu, such as young children, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions, get the care they need. Second, early treatment can help to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Flu tests play an important role in both protecting individual health and promoting public health.
Orlando Flu Treatment
While most people should get a flu shot every year, it isn’t your only option when it comes to flu care. There are also several drugs that are used to treat the flu. These drugs are most effective when taken within the first two days of your illness, so it’s important to get tested and begin treatment quickly.
What Flu Treatments Are Available at Orlando Walk-in Clinics?
here 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. In the case of the flu, they can reduce the severity of your symptoms and reduce the duration of your infection. There are four drugs that are FDA approved 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 Orlando locations without having to go elsewhere.
In addition, your doctor may also recommend fluids, pain relievers or fever reducers to help ease your symptoms. If you have flu-like symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible in order to get the appropriate treatment.
When Should I See a Doctor for Flu Symptoms?
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.
What are the Benefits of Getting Flu Treatment?
The flu is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Getting prompt medical care is an important way to protect yourself and your loved ones from developing complications from the flu, such as pneumonia.
In addition to protecting you from complications, flu treatments can help shorten the duration of your illness and make your symptoms less severe. In addition, flu treatment can help to prevent hospitalization and death. For people with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease or asthma, getting flu treatment is especially important, as they are at increased risk for complications from the flu.
If you think you may have the flu, it is important to see a doctor or visit a clinic right away. A doctor will be able to prescribe antiviral medication, which is the most effective type of flu treatment. Antiviral drugs work best when started within two days of symptom onset, so it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you think you have the flu.
Where to Get Tests and Flu Treatment Near Orlando
With more than 50 convenient locations and a wide range of urgent care services, Centra Care in Orlando is making it easy to get the rapid flu tests and treatments you need.
- Altamonte Springs
440 West State Road 436
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 - Azalea Park
509 South Semoran Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32807 - Dr. Phillips
8014 Conroy-Windermere Road, Suite 104
Orlando, FL 32835 - South Orange
2609 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32806 - Colonial Town
630 North Bumby Avenue
Orlando, FL 32803 - Lake Buena Vista
12500 South Apopka Vineland Road
Orlando, FL 32836 - University
11550 University Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32817 - Conway
5810 South Semoran Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32822 - Sand Lake
2301 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32809 - Waterford Lakes
250 North Alafaya Trail, Suite 135
Orlando, FL 32828 - Winter Park
3099 Aloma Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32792
Flu FAQs
What is the flu?
Influenza, or the flu, is a common and very contagious viral infection.
When Should I Get Tested for the Flu?
If you think you or a family member may have the flu, it's important to see a doctor or visit a walk-in clinic, like AdventHealth Centra Care, as soon as possible. Early flu diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of your symptoms and help you feel better faster. In addition, most flu antiviral drugs work better if they’re taken within the first 48 hours of the illness, so it’s important to be seen quickly.
Are Flu Tests Available Near Me in Orlando, Florida?
Yes. Centra Care has more than 37 convenient locations in Central Florida, so you can get a rapid flu test and treatment close to you.
How are Flu Tests Performed?
Yes. 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 can help shorten the duration of the flu. Tamiflu® (oseltamivir phosphate) is one of the most common treatments. In addition, pain relievers and fever reducers can help ease your symptoms. If you have flu-like symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible in order to get the appropriate treatment.
Are there Any Treatments for the Flu?
Yes. 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 can help shorten the duration of the flu. Tamiflu® (oseltamivir phosphate) is one of the most common treatments. In addition, pain relievers and fever reducers can help ease your symptoms. If you have flu-like symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible in order to get the appropriate treatment.
