It is flu season in most areas of the country, and professionals have predicted many people will fall victim to this illness this year. If you are affected by this contagious virus, consider one of the many services available at a flu care center. Many of these centers are as close as your local urgent care. A flu care center will make you feel better and cost you less time and money than the emergency room. 

1. Testing

Unfortunately, due to the flu and Covid-19 symptoms being so similar, a flu clinic will first provide testing for both conditions. Rapid results are often back in a few hours, while PCR/NAAT results take a couple of days. The beauty of the testing is that the clinic can perform both tests with a single swab.

Identifying which illness you have allows proper treatment and advice. Accurate diagnosis also helps you mitigate the spread of your germs. 

The flu center also can perform any additional testing you may need. For example, if the doctor suspects you have pneumonia, they may order a chest x-ray or blood test.

2. Prescriptions

The flu affects people differently, but most cases of Influenza A or Influenza B present with some, if not all, of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Congestion
• Body Aches
• Fatigue

These symptoms usually appear within the first few days you are affected but can last from a week to 10 days. You can treat many of these symptoms with over-the-counter medications, but a few prescriptions may work better. 

For example, Tamiflu, an antiviral drug, attacks your flu virus and keeps it from replicating in your body, which helps reduce your symptoms. A flu center physician may order Tamiflu or other prescription medications that they feel will get you back on your feet sooner.

3. Vaccinations

One of the best ways to avoid or reduce the severity of the flu or COVID-19 is vaccinations. The flu vaccine protects against the most common stains of the flu that are currently circulating. The COVID-19 vaccination makes developing a severe case of COVID less likely. 

You can receive one or both vaccinations at a flu care center. The best part is that you can obtain them at the same time. Most physicians suggest not taking them in the same arm, but one vaccination can go in one arm and the other vaccination in the other arm.