Flu Testing Clinic in Manvel, TX

The flu is a form of viral infection that primarily impacts an individual’s respiratory system which includes the nose, throat, and lungs. At APT Urgent Care, we understand the severity of the flu and provide effective treatments to manage its symptoms and minimize the risk of complications.

The flu is caused by influenza viruses, which fall into three categories: A, B, and C. Influenza A as well as B viruses make up the most common and are responsible for the seasonal epidemics that we often see among our patients at our New Jersey clinics. Influenza C usually results in milder illnesses and is not generally associated with widespread epidemics.

Flu transmission primarily occurs through respiratory droplets which are spread when an individual who is infected coughs, sneezes, or talks. Due to its contagious nature, it’s especially important to seek medical attention at APT Urgent Care as soon as you observe flu symptoms such as a sudden high fever, sore throat, chills, cough, body aches, or fatigue.

Antiviral medications, which can be prescribed at APT Urgent Care within the first 48 hours of symptoms, can lessen the duration and severity of the illness. Further, our medical professionals may recommend rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for pain and fever, to provide relief from the symptoms.

At APT Urgent Care, we emphasize the importance of yearly vaccination against the flu. The flu virus continually evolves, with new strains arising regularly. Therefore, yearly vaccination is essential to remain protected against many of the common strains of the flu.

Certain groups are particularly susceptible to severe flu, including young children and pregnant women as well as people with chronic health conditions and older adults. We provide specialized care for such high-risk groups at our clinics, ensuring their health and safety.

At APT Urgent Care, we understand that flu season can be a challenging time for everyone. The flu is a type of common respiratory illness that affects individuals annually. It affects the nose, throat, and lungs, and can present with a range of symptoms from high fever to muscle aches and body soreness.

Symptoms of the flu usually appear suddenly and can last for several days to a week. Among the most commonly occurring symptoms is a high fever, often referred to as chills when accompanied by shivering. Muscle aches and body soreness, particularly in the back, arms, and legs, are also common.

Respiratory symptoms are a significant indicator of the flu. These can include a persistent cough, sore throat, and a runny or stuffy nose. Less common, but still prevalent, are gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

At APT Urgent Care, we know the flu can be more than just an inconvenience. It can interfere with your daily activities and, in severe cases, lead to complications like pneumonia and bronchitis.

One of the key diagnostic procedures we offer is the flu test. This test determines if an individual is infected with the influenza virus. Our healthcare professionals collect a sample from your body, usually from your nose or throat, through swabbing or aspirating. This sample of respiratory secretions is then carefully analyzed in our state-of-the-art laboratory to detect the viral RNA.

APT Urgent Care recommends a flu test when our patients are experiencing symptoms suggestive of influenza. These symptoms include sudden onset of fever (100.4°F or higher), chills, sweats, body aches, fatigue, headache, cough, sore or scratchy throat, and nasal congestion or runny nose. Additional symptoms can sometimes include diarrhea and vomiting. We encourage our patients to get a flu test as soon as these symptoms appear, especially if they have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with the flu.

A positive flu test verifies whether symptoms are caused by the influenza virus. The results aid our healthcare professionals in identifying the specific strain of influenza virus, guiding the appropriate antiviral medications, and determining the most effective treatment plan. By identifying individuals with the flu, APT Urgent Care can recommend isolation measures to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Flu testing aids in monitoring the prevalence and spread of influenza within our community.

APT Urgent Care offers different types of flu tests, including rapid influenza diagnostic tests that provide results within approximately 15 minutes. However, these are not as accurate as standard lab tests. We also offer rapid molecular assays, direct and indirect fluorescent antibody staining, and viral cultures.

We offer flu vaccines each year, containing inactivated viruses or antigens, proven to reduce the risk of flu illness and complications. We encourage everyone who is over the age of six months, particularly those at high risk of flu complications, to get vaccinated annually.

Our healthcare providers emphasize the importance of maintaining good health habits, such as regular handwashing, especially after public interactions, touching communal surfaces, or coughing or sneezing.

Our team models and encourages proper respiratory etiquette to prevent the spread of flu viruses. We provide tissues and hand sanitizers throughout our facility to make it easy for patients to cover their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze and clean their hands afterward.

We understand the importance of avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Our facility offers telemedicine services, allowing patients who are unwell or have been exposed to the flu to seek medical advice without leaving their homes.

We regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects in our facility that may be contaminated with germs, including doorknobs, countertops, and phones.

We give special attention to our patients who are at high risk of flu complications. Our healthcare providers can provide additional vaccination recommendations and preventive measures for these individuals. For more information contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 10447 Bailey Rd Suite 170 Manvel, TX 77578. We serve patients from Manvel TX, Iowa Colony TX, Alvin TX, Fresno TX, Pearland TX, Rosharon TX, and surrounding areas.