When flu season hits, knowing where to go for fast, reliable testing and care is crucial. At Alamo City Urgent Care, we offer rapid flu tests to help you quickly determine if you have the flu or another respiratory illness.
Our convenient locations, extended hours, and comprehensive services make it easy to get the answers you need and the care you deserve, all on the same day and without an appointment.
Keep reading to find out, “Does urgent care do flu tests?” what a rapid flu test is, what common flu symptoms are, and what the benefits of getting a rapid flu test at an urgent care center near you are.
Can Urgent Care Test for Flu?
Yes, you can receive a fast and accurate flu test in San Antonio without an appointment. Walk into any Alamo City Urgent Care center today for a rapid flu test.
Our locations are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
What Is a Rapid Flu Test?
Many patients visiting Alamo City Urgent Care with flu-like symptoms often ask, “Is there a test for the flu?” We are pleased to offer our communities a rapid flu test, also called a rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT), to help detect the presence of influenza (flu) viruses using respiratory samples.
During the test, an Alamo City Urgent Care medical professional uses a swab to take a sample of the tissues from the nose or back of the throat. This sample is processed in our on-site lab using a special chemical that detects specific flu strains (e.g., influenza A or influenza B).
How Long Does a Flu Test Take at Urgent Care?
After we collect your sample, test results are generally ready within 15 minutes. This allows our healthcare providers to quickly confirm a flu diagnosis and differentiate it from other respiratory illnesses.
A rapid flu test is a valuable diagnostic tool for accurate diagnosis, proper treatment, and effective control measures for our patients and communities.
Benefits of Flu Testing at Urgent Care
Flu testing at an urgent care center offers several benefits, especially during flu season when quick diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Here are some of the key benefits:
- No appointment is needed—walk-ins are always welcome.
- Results are available within 15 minutes of testing.
- Immediate treatment and medication.
- Extended and weekend hours are available for busy individuals and families.
- Lower cost than an emergency room visit.
If you’re not feeling well, it could be the flu. Visit an urgent care near you for safe, effective diagnosis and treatment.
Common Flu Symptoms
If you or a loved one is experiencing flu-like symptoms, we encourage you to visit Alamo City Urgent Care for a rapid flu test and prompt treatment. We can help alleviate the following common flu symptoms:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fever
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Watery eyes
Early diagnosis and treatment of flu symptoms help reduce the duration and severity of the illness, especially if you or your loved one is in a high-risk group, such as:
- Elderly individuals
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with a compromised immune system
- Individuals with chronic health conditions
Get the care you need and start feeling better faster with an RIDT at Alamo City UC in San Antonio, TX.
Flu Prevention Tips
Preventing the flu and other respiratory illnesses is key to staying healthy during flu season. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy all season long:
- Get vaccinated annually.
- Wash your hands frequently with warm soapy water.
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly.
What to Do If you Have Flu Symptoms
If you start experiencing flu-like symptoms, here’s what to do to manage your symptoms and prevent spreading it to others:
- Visit urgent care for a rapid flu test within 48 hours of symptoms.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Take over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms.
- Avoid close contact with others.
Get Expert Flu Treatment at Urgent Care
If you’re concerned about your health and suspect you may be coming down with the flu, seek immediate treatment at a medical clinic to receive antibiotics, shorten the illness, and confirmation that another illness isn’t causing your symptoms.
No appointments are necessary. Visit Alamo City Urgent Care for high-quality and accurate urgent care testing services today. Find a location near you and book an appointment.
