The flu, or influenza, is a common viral infection that affects millions of people each year. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe, making it essential to identify the illness early for proper treatment and care. But how exactly is the flu diagnosed? Understanding the process can help you know what to expect if you or a loved one starts feeling unwell.

For a same-day flu diagnosis and treatment plan, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills. Our medical team is available 7 days a week to treat all patients in the Denver, CO area. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!

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Identifying Flu Symptoms

Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and are more severe than a common cold. Before diagnosing the flu, healthcare providers look for telltale signs of the illness. These are some of the more common symptoms consistent with a flu infection:

• Fever accompanied by chills
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Clear discharge or blocked nasal passageways
• Muscle or body aches
• Pain in the head region
• Runny nose
• Weakness or abnormally severe exhaustion

Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are also possible, especially in children. However, because flu symptoms can overlap with other respiratory illnesses like the common cold or COVID-19, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. Below, we’ll outline some methods used by professionals to accomplish that.

The Diagnostic Process

Flu diagnosis typically involves a combination of a physical examination, discussion of symptoms, and in some cases, diagnostic testing:

1. Clinical Evaluation.

Most medical providers start with a physical examination and ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, and recent exposure to other sick individuals. During flu season, a doctor may diagnose flu based on symptoms alone, especially if there’s a high prevalence of flu cases in the area.

 2. Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs).

RIDTs are some of the most common flu tests and they work by detecting viral antigens which are substances that trigger immune responses in respiratory samples. The samples are typically collected through a nasal or throat swab as those are the areas in which the viral pathogens are going to be more abundant and readily available. While RIDTs offer convenience, they can sometimes be less accurate than other tests and produce false negatives.

3. Rapid Molecular Assays (RMAs).

This test is similar to RIDTs but uses molecular techniques to detect the virus's genetic material. It’s done via nasal or throat swabs, which are more likely to gather the most abundant samples of the virus. Rapid molecular assays are more accurate than RIDTs due to them having a higher sensitivity to detect the flu virus.

How Do You Treat The Flu?

If you’ve been diagnosed with the flu, you can follow these tips to ensure a smoother recovery.

• Make Sure To Stay Hydrated and Get Some Rest: Due to the amount of stress the body is under during the infection and the level of fever, you can quickly become dehydrated. By drinking lots of fluids, you can stay hydrated and give your body the necessary energy to fight back against the flu. You also have to make sure you get the most rest possible as it will give your body the strength it needs to fight the infection.
• Get Your Flu Shot: You must get your flu shot yearly as it protects you against any new strain of the virus and reduces the risk of spreading it to high-risk individuals.
• Avoid Spreading The Virus By Minimizing Contact With Others: It’s advised for you to stay at home and minimize contact with other people to avoid spreading the virus. Flu spreads through droplets discharged from the nose and mouth through the air. These droplets contain the virus and when you come into contact with them even through a surface you can contract it. If you have to go out, consider wearing a mask to reduce the likelihood of spreading the flu.

For most people, the flu can be managed at home, but if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, or severe dehydration, seek medical care immediately.

Get a Walk-in Flu Diagnosis and Treatment Plan at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills

Urgent care centers are a convenient option for flu diagnosis. With on-site testing and experienced medical staff, you can receive a quick and accurate diagnosis, along with treatment recommendations. Whether it’s the flu or another illness, prompt care can help you recover faster and feel better quickly. By understanding how the flu is diagnosed, you can take proactive steps to manage your health and protect those around you. At AFC Urgent Care University Hills, our team of healthcare providers can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatments to help you feel better quickly! We provide walk-in treatment seven days a week.

We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please call us directly at (303) 756-4500.

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