Influenza Testing in Downtown Long Beach, Bixby Knolls CA, and Paramount CA

Influenza tests require a respiratory sample like a nasal swab to check for the presence of the influenza virus. Influenza is a respiratory infection that is caused by germs. It is most often seen during the colder months like in the winter which is when it can easily spread from one person to another due to sneezing and/or touching surfaces that have been contaminated.

There are a few different kinds of influenza tests which include:

• Rapid influenza diagnostic tests

Also known as influenza antigen tests which are one of the most common types of flu tests and identify the presence of influenza A and B, as they work to detect the areas of the flu virus which are known as antigens that trigger the immune response. During this particular test, we will swab the inside of the nostril to retrieve a sample. The results are available usually within 10 to 15 minutes after the influenza test is taken.

• Rapid molecular assays

Rapid molecular assays are another influenza test that detects the genetic material that is within the flu virus. They will also produce results quite fast, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, they are also quite accurate. These tests are completed as nasopharyngeal swabs and sent off to the lab.

• Specialized lab tests

Other specialized lab flu tests provide a much more accurate result than the other tests, and one of them is called a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. We will collect a sample and send it off to the lab for testing; however, the results can take up to several hours or even days for results.

Flu tests are available to help figure out whether you have the flu or not. If you do not, the urgent care is available to conduct other tests as well to help figure out what you may have. Flu tests may also be used for the community to find out whether there is an outbreak occurring with respiratory illnesses or not within certain areas like nursing homes or schools. As well, flu tests may also be used to identify the type of flu virus you may have that caused the initial infection.

If you are showcasing flu like symptoms, or you are concerned about possibly contracting the flu, it is best if you connect with our urgent care Reddy Urgent Care to schedule an influenza test, specifically if you have any of the following symptoms:

● Dry cough
● Headache
● Sore throat
● Chills
● Runny nose
● Loss of appetite
● Muscle aches
● Fatigue
● Sudden onset of a fever ranging from moderate to high

If you see your healthcare provider, they may also recommend due to risk factors and other complications, you should get a influenza test completed. These risk factors may include:

● Weakened immune system
● Chronic illnesses
● Pregnant
● Over the age of 65
● Under the age of 5
● In the hospitals care for treatment for another condition

Another reason why you may need to take a influenza test is so that public health officials or healthcare providers can be provided with data about whether or not there is an outbreak of respiratory illnesses occurring within the community, this may include a nursing home, school, work etc.

Flu tests will need a respiratory sample, this can be provided in several different ways from:

• Within the nasal cavity with a swab
• Within the nasal cavity with an aspirate, or a wash, what this means is one of our healthcare providers will inject saline solution into the nostrils and nose to remove any samples within with a gentle suction being applied. The collection portion of this is often used for young kids.
• The upper part of the throat known as the nasopharynx will be swabbed through the nose

We will provide you the option of how we will do the flu test before the test is completed so you are well aware and can prepare mentally, as for some it might be a large task to complete something as simple to many as a flu test. You can also find information on our website regarding the different types of services we offer. We serve patients from Downtown Long Beach CA, Bixby Knolls Long Beach CA, Paramount CA, East Side CA, and Los Altos CA.