Rapid Influenza
Testing In Chicago
Rapid Influenza
testing in Chicago
What Is Influenza?
Flu Testing Chicago
Influenza, more commonly referred to as flu, is a respiratory illness brought on by an infection with the influenza A, B, C, or D virus. People spread influenza viruses primarily through droplets released into the air when the affected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. United Lab Care offers rapid and free* flu testing services in the Chicago. A simple swab test can diagnose 19 different viruses within 24 hours. Our flu test in Chicago have an accuracy higher than 97%. 
Flu season is the time of the year when the virus is prevalent. In the US, influenza season can start as soon as October and end as late as May. The infection typically spreads from one individual to another through hacking or wheezing. Additionally, you can contract the flu by touching your nose, eyes, or mouth to a surface infected with the virus.
Symptoms of Influenza
Coughing
Fatigue
Cough or sore throat
Runny nose and watery eyes
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Vomiting and diarrhea
Diagnosis
- Your doctor will perform a physical examination, search for flu-related signs and symptoms, and recommend a flu test to look for influenza viruses.
- You may not require a flu test when the virus is common. Your medical professional may make a diagnosis for you based on your symptoms.
- Your doctor might advise being tested for influenza to diagnose the flu.
Avoiding flu-like symptoms
The primary step is to get an influenza test near you and know if you have flu or Covid-19. If necessary, your doctor may give you medicine to fight the virus. The medication is known as an antiviral medication. It works best when you start using it within two days of feeling sick. Taking antiviral medication may reduce symptoms of the flu.
Weekly Detection Rates
High Activity (>3%)
Medium Activity (1%-3%)
Distinct Kinds of Flu Testing Chicago
Rapid influenza antigen testing
The most common type of flu test offered by United Lab Care in Chicago is a diagnostic or rapid influenza antigen test. Although it can provide results in less than half an hour, this quick test is less accurate than other tests for the flu.
Molecular flu testing
A common molecular test is a PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Some molecular tests provide rapid results. However, you will have to wait longer for the results because the most accurate tests necessitate sending a sample of fluid from your mouth or nose to a specialized laboratory. A quick flu test in Chicago can be used to confirm the results with molecular tests.
Contains COVID-19? Is it Flu? Or Another Possibility?
There has never been a greater pressing need to identify respiratory bugs. However, several respiratory illnesses might result in symptoms that overlap. Even during the regular flu season, according to data from United Lab Care Syndromic Trends, influenza accounted for fewer than one-third of all respiratory infections identified during this time. A thorough panel results in fewer missed detections.
Results from United Lab Care
In most cases, you will get the results of the flu test in Chicago right away. Without requiring a sample to be sent to a laboratory, many rapid tests provide results within 10 to 30 minutes. You might get the results the same day or in a few hours when you need a laboratory test.
A flu test will either show a positive or negative result. You can receive direct notification of the outcome or even a formal test report with the result in some cases.
Results from United Lab Care
In most cases, you will get the results of the flu test right away. Without requiring a sample to be sent to a laboratory, many rapid tests provide results within 10 to 30 minutes. You might get the results the same day or in a few hours when you need a laboratory test.
A flu test will either show a positive or negative result. You can receive direct notification of the outcome or even a formal test report with the result in some cases.
FAQs
Although the flu season typically occurs in the fall and winter in the United States, Influenza viruses also spread throughout the year. Flu activity typically peaks between December and February.
A flu test does not require any special preparations on your part. Flu tests are also used to monitor community flu outbreaks and determine the type of flu virus that causes the illness.
You might gag or even get a tickle when your nose is swabbed during Flu test in Chicago. An aspirate or wash for the nose may be uncomfortable but these effects are short-lived.
You can get influenza tests from United Lab Care. We provide reliable and rapid flu testing services in Chicago.
No, we do not offer vaccination or flu shot at United Lab Care.
