Flu Testing

The seasonal flu can cause a variety of symptoms that zap your energy and prevent you from going to work or school. Direct Wellness RVA offers rapid flu tests in-office for adults and adolescents for a cost-effective, monthly membership fee. As a skilled certified physician’s assistant, Grace Beers, PA-C, MSPAS, interprets your results and recommends flu treatment strategies you can use to feel like yourself again. Call the Midlothian, Virginia, office today to schedule a flu testing appointment for yourself or your child. You can also use the online feature to book an appointment.

Why is flu testing important?

Flu testing is a diagnostic procedure to identify the presence of influenza, an infectious virus that causes respiratory issues, muscle aches, and other symptoms.

The flu virus is contagious and spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets in the air. You can also develop the flu if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.  

Seniors and people with weak immune systems may be more likely to develop serious respiratory distress and other illnesses from a flu infection than the general public.

For this reason, Direct Wellness RVA offers in-office flu testing to identify an influenza infection early, so you can start treatment and take the necessary precautions to protect at-risk individuals. An affordable, monthly membership fee covers testing costs.

When should I schedule flu testing?

Flu symptoms may be mild enough to manage at home with rest and over-the-counter medications.

You can schedule flu testing at Direct Wellness RVA if your symptoms aren’t responding to home care or they become severe. Testing is also essential for immunocompromised people.

Flu symptoms are most common during the fall and winter months and can include:

• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Chills and fever
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Grace offers in-office flu testing and comprehensive health exams to confirm or rule out an infection. If your flu test is negative, she may recommend COVID testing or other diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of your symptoms.

What is involved in flu testing?

A flu test is minimally invasive and involves the insertion of a cotton swab into your nasal cavity to collect a fluid sample.

Direct Wellness RVA offers two types of flu tests:

Rapid antigen tests

A rapid antigen test detects flu virus proteins in less than 30 minutes.

Molecular assays (PCR test)

A PCR test identifies the genetic material of the flu virus from the fluid sample. PCR tests are more accurate than antigen tests, but can take several days to process.

Grace reviews your test results and discusses evidence-based treatments to ease the severity of your symptoms. She can also recommend vaccinations to protect against additional flu infections and other contagious diseases. Follow-up appointments are available in the office and virtually through telehealth.

Call Direct Wellness RVA today to learn more about the benefits of flu testing or book a consultation online.