Walk-In Flu Testing & Treatment | AFC Urgent Care Lakewood, CO

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a serious and highly contagious respiratory illness that can lead to severe symptoms, complications, and even hospitalization. Flu season typically runs from October through March, making proactive prevention and quick treatment essential. AFC Urgent Care Lakewood provides comprehensive services for the flu, including rapid flu testing and effective flu treatment, all available on a walk-in basis.

Understanding Influenza (The Flu)

The flu is more severe than the common cold, with symptoms that can appear suddenly. It is caused by viruses that constantly mutate, necessitating a yearly vaccine for protection against prevalent strains.

Common Flu Symptoms We Treat

If you suspect you have the flu, a prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Common symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever or chills (though not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue/tiredness
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Our medical providers can prescribe medication to help ease your symptoms. Antiviral treatments, such as Tamiflu or Xofluza, are most effective when taken within 48 hours of initial symptoms, highlighting the importance of a rapid diagnosis.

Rapid Flu Testing: Fast & Accurate Results in Lakewood, CO

Receiving a prompt and accurate flu diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.

• AFC Urgent Care Lakewood offers Rapid Flu Tests with results typically available in just 15 minutes or less.
• We utilize Rapid Molecular Flu Testing, a dependable and efficient approach that involves a nasal swab. This method is advocated by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) over traditional rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) due to its greater reliability and precision.
• Our tests are highly accurate:
• Sensitivity: 96.3% for Influenza A and 100% for Influenza B.
• Specificity: 97.4% for Influenza A and 97.1% for Influenza B.
• This ensures accurate identification of the flu, minimizing false negative and false positive results, and enabling our medical team to provide the best possible treatment.
• Visit our Lakewood walk-in clinic today for quick flu tests, available 7 days a week with no appointment needed.

Flu Shots: Your Best Defense Against the Flu in Lakewood, CO

The flu shot is the most effective and easiest way to prevent getting sick with the flu, reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick, and prevent its spread to others.

• Yearly vaccination is recommended because the flu virus constantly mutates, and different strains are prevalent each year
• Who should get the flu vaccine? The flu shot is recommended for all patients over the age of six months old. It is especially crucial for high-risk groups who may suffer severe complications, including:
• Healthy adults, particularly those over the age of 65.
• Pregnant women.
• Healthcare providers.
• Anyone with a weakened immune system or chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma).
• Caregivers of young children.
• When to get vaccinated: Get the shot as soon as possible, ideally in mid to late September, as it takes about two weeks for your body to form the necessary antibodies and for the vaccine to take effect.
• Benefits outweigh risks: The benefits of getting a flu shot far outweigh the risk of minor side effects. (Note: Do not get vaccinated if you have an egg allergy or a past adverse reaction to the flu shot).
• Walk-in Flu Shots available: Visit AFC Urgent Care Lakewood this fall for walk-in flu shots, available seven days a week after our vaccine supply arrives.

Flu Shot Pricing & Insurance

We offer flu shots at our three locations for $40 self-pay. Most major insurance carriers cover the vaccine in most cases. Please note the two exceptions for insurance coverage this year are Aetna and United.

Preventive Measures Beyond Vaccination

In addition to getting your annual flu shot, practicing good hygiene is vital to lower your risk of getting sick and spreading viruses.

• Wash your hands frequently and consistently.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with unclean hands.
• Avoid close contact with others who may be sick.
• Encourage children to cover their nose and mouth with their elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of tissues immediately.
• Wipe down common play areas or surfaces with disinfectant at least twice a day.

Flu Complications & When to Seek Care

The flu is a severe illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms. Unlike a cold, it can appear suddenly and lead to serious complications such as inflammation of the heart and brain, organ failure, and inflammatory responses. Approximately 800,000 patients are hospitalized each year due to flu complications, with nearly 60,000 casualties from the virus. If you experience flu symptoms, especially if you are in a high-risk group, visit our walk-in clinic ASAP.

Why Choose AFC Urgent Care Lakewood for Flu Needs?

AFC Urgent Care Lakewood offers convenient, comprehensive care for flu-related concerns.