Flu Testing in Portland, OR

The flu is highly contagious and spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Additionally, it can spread by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, especially when you touch your face. People who have the flu can spread the virus up to a week after symptoms start, although they are most contagious during the first three to four days after getting exposed to the flu virus.

Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue Headaches
• Shortness of breath

Some may experience vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Complications from the flu can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, or worsening of chronic health issues, especially in those who are high-risk.

Flu Testing Services at Portland Urgent Care

Portland Urgent Care is open 7 days a week including most holidays to make sure you have access to prompt medical care when you need it. We offer flu shots and flu testing to diagnose and treat flu symptoms. We offer rapid flu tests that provide results within a short time period.

We also give seasonal flu vaccines. Fever, body aches, exhaustion, and respiratory problems are among the flu symptoms that our staff treats. Portland Urgent Care offers convenient care to keep you healthy during flu season, whether you need a flu test, flu vaccination, or treatment.

Types of Flu Tests Available at Portland Urgent Care

Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs): Provide results in 10-15 minutes by detecting viral antigens. While fast, they may have lower accuracy compared to other methods.

Rapid Molecular Assays: Detects flu virus genetic material with higher accuracy than RIDTs. Results are typically available within 20-30 minutes.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests: Highly accurate and sensitive, PCR tests detect the flu virus's genetic material. Results are usually available within a few hours to a day.

Viral Culture: Although less common, this test involves growing the virus in a lab, offering the highest accuracy but taking several days for results.

Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) Tests: Detect flu antigens in respiratory samples under a microscope. DFA tests are faster than viral cultures but not often used.

When to Visit Portland Urgent Care for a Flu Test

Visit Portland Urgent Care for a flu test if you experience severe or worsening symptoms of the flu like a high fever, persistent cough, body aches, or difficulty breathing. Seniors, small children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing medical issues are at greater risk of flu and more serious complications so early diagnosis is advised. Portland Urgent Care offers rapid testing if you have been exposed to someone who has the flu or if you need a fast diagnosis to begin treatment. Receiving care as soon as possible helps manage symptoms, avoid complications, and slow the spread of the flu.

What to Expect During Your Visit to Portland Urgent Care

When you visit Portland Urgent Care with flu symptoms, our process is straightforward and designed to provide quick, effective care. You’ll check in and provide details about your symptoms, such as fever, chills, body aches, cough, or fatigue. A member of our healthcare team will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination.

We’ll give you a rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT), which uses a nasal or throat swab to detect flu antigens. Results from this test take about 10 to 15 minutes. If the test is positive, one of our physicians might prescribe antiviral medication to help reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms. If the test is negative, a PCR test may be recommended for better accuracy.

Over-the-counter medications might be recommended to help you manage symptoms and prevent dehydration. You’ll receive guidance from our medical team on how to care for yourself and prevent spreading the virus to others. Portland Urgent Care’s goal is to help you recover quickly while minimizing potential complications.

Understanding Your Flu Test Results

A positive flu test means the flu virus is present, confirming you have the flu. Portland Urgent Care physicians might recommend antiviral medication to reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms. A negative result means flu was not detected, but this doesn’t definitively rule out the flu. Some tests may miss infections if taken too early or late in the illness. If your symptoms continue despite a negative test, we can order more sensitive tests, like a PCR test. You can still be treated based on one of our physician’s clinical assessments. Your test results can guide your doctor so you’ll achieve quicker recovery.

How Much Does Flu Testing Cost?

The cost of flu testing varies depending on the type of test, and whether you have health insurance. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) cost between $20 to $50 without insurance, while more accurate PCR tests can range from $100 to $200. If you have insurance, flu testing may be fully or partially covered, reducing your out-of-pocket costs. Urgent care centers usually cost less than any hospital emergency room. Check with your insurance company to get a clear understanding of potential costs before getting tested.

Who Has a Higher Risk for Complications From the Flu??

• Anyone over age 65
• Nursing home residents
• People with heart conditions, or anyone with asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases
• People with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, strokes, or other neurological disorders
• People diagnosed with  diabetes, weak immune systems, and chronic liver or kidney disease
• Pregnant women and new mothers

How to Prevent and Manage Flu Symptoms

Preventing and managing flu symptoms involves taking proactive measures and getting effective care if the flu occurs. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting the annual flu vaccine because it reduces the risk of infection and can lessen the severity of your symptoms. Frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding touching the face, also prevent the flu virus from spreading. Staying away from people who are sick and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, exercise, and rest can strengthen your immunity.

If symptoms develop, and you think you have the flu or are diagnosed with the flu, get plenty of rest and stay hydrated to support faster recovery. Fever reducers, decongestants, and pain relievers can reduce discomfort. Antiviral medications are more effective when taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms. To prevent spreading the virus, stay home until at least 24 hours after a fever subsides without the use of medication. Visit Portland Urgent Care for flu shots, and flu testing to confirm you have the flu, and also to receive proper flu treatment.