Influenza Symptoms & Treatments

Treating the Flu at an Urgent Care

The doctors at Priority Care’s Urgent Care centers are board-certified and have extensive experience working with patients of all ages. If you’re diagnosed with the flu, our doctors will work closely with physicians assistants and nurse practitioners to help you feel better quickly.

Influenza (the flu) shares symptoms that make it similar to the common cold, but is a more severe viral illness. The flu is a highly-contagious respiratory illness that affects the sinuses, throat, and lungs. The influenza A and B viruses are responsible for the seasonal outbreak of flu in the US each year.

Diagnosing the Flu

Diagnosing the flu can be done in as little as 15 minutes using “influenza diagnostics tests”. During the test a medical professional from our urgent care will swab inside of your nose or the back of your throat to obtain a sample that will then be tested on site. Unlike the common cold, symptoms of the influenza viruses include:

  • Sudden onset of illness
  • Fever (High temperature)
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Body aches and pains
  • Overly exhausted & tired
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

Treating the Flu

Flu treatments should begin within two days of experiencing symptoms. So, if you or your child exhibit symptoms, visit a healthcare professional at Priority Care as soon as possible. Once the flu has been confirmed the patient will receive an antiviral treatment through a prescription. The prescription drugs generally lessen symptoms and help patients get back on their feet more quickly.

If you’ve missed the two-day window to begin treatment, or if you have a high risk of developing complications from the flu, you should still take the antiviral prescription to relieve symptoms and recover faster.