Think You Have the Flu? Get Tested in 15 Minutes
Get relief fast with rapid flu testing and results in just 15 minutes at AFC. We're open seven days a week for walk-ins. If you're in the first couple of days of flu symptoms, we can prescribe antivirals on the spot to help you recover faster.
- Rapid flu test (about 15 min)
- Walk-ins available 7 days per week
- Antiviral prescriptions when appropriate
Same-Day Flu Testing at AFC Urgent Care
AFC Urgent Care Norwalk in Norwalk, CT
607 Main AveNorwalk, CT 06851
Booking a visit for flu symptoms.
Hours
Monday - 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday - 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday - 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday - 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday - 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Flu Symptoms and When to Come In
Flu symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe distress. Here are some common signs that may indicate that it's time to get tested.
Symptoms We See
- Fever or chills, though not everyone with flu runs a fever
- Body aches, often severe
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Fatigue that can last well past the other symptoms
- Vomiting and diarrhea, more common in children than adults
Flu tends to come on suddenly. If you felt fine this morning and awful by the afternoon, it's worth getting checked.
When to Come In
The sooner you come in, the more options we have to help. Starting an antiviral within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms gives you the best chance at a faster recovery. If you've been sick longer, don't worry, we can still test and treat your symptoms.
Come in sooner if you are pregnant, over 65, have other medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or are caring for someone who does.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
Go to the emergency room if you have any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or difficulty staying alert
- A seizure
- Inability to urinate, or persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake
- Initial improvement followed by worsening symptoms, including fever and a worsening cough
- In children: bluish discoloration of the lips or face, chest retractions (ribs pulling in with each breath), or absence of tears when crying
How We Diagnose and Treat Flu
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Symptom review
A provider will ask about your symptoms and when they started. Timing decides what treatment we can offer.
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Rapid flu swab
A flu test will be performed with a nasal swab; results are typically ready in about 15 minutes.
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Treatment plan
If your flu test is positive and you're within the window, your provider can prescribe an antiviral. If it is not the flu, we treat what you do have.
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What to do at home
Providers will offer information on symptom relief, how long you're contagious, when you can go back to work or school, and what to do if symptoms worsen.
Flu, COVID and Strep Testing
- Flu · about 15 min
- COVID-19 · about 15 min
- Strep · about 5 min
- RSV
Flu, COVID, and strep often look alike at the start, so we can test for more than one in the same visit rather than sending you back a second time.
Flu or a Bad Cold, and Why Timing Matters
| Flu | Cold | |
|---|---|---|
| How it starts | Suddenly, often within hours | Gradually, over a few days |
| Fever | Common and often high | Rare or mild |
| Body aches | Common and can be severe | Mild if present |
| Fatigue | Can linger for two weeks or more | Mild and short-lived |
| Why it matters | There is a treatment, and it is time-dependent | Rest and symptom relief |
Flu and cold symptoms often overlap, and a test is the only way to be sure what the best treatment option is for you.
Why the First 48 Hours Matter
Antivirals are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset and can both shorten the illness as well as lower the chance of complications.
After the 48-hour window, we can still test and treat your symptoms, but the antiviral isn't as effective. Stop in for a flu test today to fast-track your recovery.
Flu Treatment Cost and Insurance
We bill most insurance plans. A flu testing and treatment visit is billed as an office visit rather than a fixed product price, so what you pay depends on your plan.
If you are paying for yourself, a visit at this clinic starts at $190.
Flu Testing Near Norwalk
AFC Urgent Care Norwalk is located at 607 Main Ave, proudly serving Norwalk, CT and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flu Treatment
How long does a flu test take?
Our flu tests take about 15 minutes. It is a nasal swab, and your provider will go through the results and next steps for treatment with you before you leave.
Do I need Tamiflu?
Not always. Antivirals help most when started within about 48 hours of your first symptoms. Your provider will evaluate your timing, symptoms, and whether you are in a higher-risk group to ensure you get the best treatment.
How long is the flu contagious?
You are usually considered contagious from about a day before flu symptoms start until around five to seven days after. Children and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious longer.
When can I go back to work or school?
Generally, once you have been fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine. Your provider can help you determine when it's safe for you to get back to your regular routine.
Can you test for COVID and strep too?
Yes. Flu, COVID, and strep symptoms often look alike early on , so we can test for more than one during the same visit rather than bringing you back a second time.
What if the test is negative?
A negative result does not always rule flu out, particularly very early or very late in the illness. Your provider treats based on your symptoms, timing, and the test .
Related Conditions and Nearby AFC Locations
- Flu Shots
- Cold, Sinus & Respiratory
- COVID-19 Services
- Infectious & Respiratory Illness
- Upper Respiratory Conditions
- Patient Services
Fairfield
1918 Black Rock TurnpikeFairfield, CT 06825
9.2 mi away
(203) 583-8400 Save Your Spot Get DirectionsBridgeport Main
4200 Main St.Bridgeport, CT 06606
11.6 mi away
(203) 916-5151 Save Your Spot Get DirectionsBridgeport
161 Boston AvenueBridgeport, CT 06610
12.7 mi away
(203) 333-4400 Save Your Spot Get DirectionsTrumbull
57 Monroe TurnpikeTrumbull, CT 06611
13.5 mi away
(203) 590-6330 Save Your Spot Get DirectionsFeeling Awful? Get Tested Today.
Resources
The flu symptom, timing, and antiviral statements on this page are based on the national sources below.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Flu Symptoms & Complications. cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms. Accessed 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Treating Flu with Antiviral Drugs. cdc.gov/flu/treatment. Accessed 2026.
