Flu Testing & Treatment Available to Tampa, FL, Residents

TGH Urgent Care and emergency room services differ in the type of medical conditions they cater to and the level of urgency they prioritize. While TGH Urgent Care is suitable for medical conditions that require prompt attention but are not immediately life-threatening, emergency room services are designed to handle severe and life-threatening situations. It is important to understand that if a medical issue is potentially life-threatening, it is best to call 911 or go directly to a hospital emergency room. However, for non-emergency situations, TGH Urgent Care walk-in clinics provide an excellent alternative, offering medical care for a wide range of conditions that require timely treatment but are not considered life-threatening.

Prescription anti-virus flu treatments such as Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) or Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) work best within 48 hours of flu symptoms. But always check with your medical provider before taking any medications. *this is not a professional medical advice*

Getting a fast and accurate result allows medical providers to treat you in the best manner possible. Prescription anti-virus flu treatments work most effectively within the first 48 hours of symptoms, so a quick diagnosis ensures timely administration of these treatments.

If you believe you may have contracted the flu virus, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible. Timely testing allows for early detection and prompt initiation of treatment, which can help alleviate symptoms and minimize the impact on your daily life.

Delaying the diagnosis of flu can lead to missed opportunities for receiving prescription anti-virus flu treatments. These treatments are most effective when administered within the first 48 hours of symptoms. A delayed diagnosis may result in prolonged illness, increased severity of symptoms, and potential complications.

How can our medical providers best treat patients with the flu?
By obtaining a fast and accurate flu diagnosis, our medical providers can tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs. This ensures that you receive the most appropriate and effective prescription anti-virus flu treatments, thus maximizing the chances of a speedy recovery and minimizing the impact of the flu on your daily life.

GH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track stands out as the ideal choice for Urgent Care due to a multitude of reasons. At TGH Urgent Care, powered by Fast Track, we boast cutting-edge facilities equipped with advanced technology, ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care. Our dedicated and highly skilled medical team is always on hand to provide a comprehensive range of services, including on-site X-rays, laboratory testing, various medical procedures, and much more. With TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, you can trust that your urgent healthcare needs will be met efficiently, professionally, and conveniently.

Common flu symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically distinguish the flu (influenza) from a common cold. The onset of influenza is often sudden, and individuals experiencing the flu may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including but not limited to:
Fever or Chills: Many people with the flu experience a fever, although not everyone will have one.
Runny or Stuffy Nose: Influenza can cause nasal congestion, resulting in a runny or stuffy nose.
Cough: A persistent cough is a common symptom of the flu and can sometimes be accompanied by chest discomfort.
Sore Throat: Influenza can lead to a sore throat, causing discomfort and pain when swallowing.
Muscle or Body Aches: Flu-related muscle or body aches can be widespread and may often be accompanied by general weakness or fatigue.
Fatigue/Tiredness: The flu can cause overwhelming tiredness or fatigue, which may persist even after other symptoms subside.
Headaches: Some individuals with the flu experience headaches, which can range from mild to severe.
Vomiting and Diarrhea: While more common in children than adults, some individuals with the flu may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.
It’s important to note that experiencing all of these symptoms is not necessary for a flu diagnosis, as the severity and combination of symptoms can vary from person to person. It is always advisable to seek medical attention if you suspect you have the flu or if symptoms become severe or persistent.

According to updated flu testing guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America in 2018, molecular-based flu testing is recommended and preferred over rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) for detecting influenza viruses in outpatients. This suggests that the Rapid Molecular Flu Test is considered superior to other flu tests in accuracy and reliability. *this is not medical advice, always consult your medical provider*

Our Rapid Molecular Flu Testing offers exceptional accuracy in comparison to traditional influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) commonly used in various clinics and doctor offices. This test utilizes a nasal swab and boasts a high level of accuracy. Specifically, it correctly identifies patients with Influenza Type A with a success rate of 96.3%. Moreover, it has a perfect track record of correctly identifying patients with Influenza Type B, achieving a 100% accuracy rate. When evaluating the accuracy of any flu test, it is crucial to consider two essential factors: Sensitivity and Specificity. By focusing on these factors, our flu test offers reliable and precise results to assist in accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

The duration to obtain a flu test result varies depending on the type of test conducted. However, for our Rapid Molecular Flu Test, the average turnaround time for results is typically 15 minutes or less. This means that once the test is administered, you can expect to receive the conclusive outcome within a quarter of an hour, enabling swift diagnosis and subsequent medical decisions.