Influenza (Flu) Testing and Treatment at Ming Primary Care Clinic in Bakersfield, CA

If you begin experiencing flu-like symptoms—such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, or headache— we recommend reaching out to our office as soon as possible to discuss whether testing is appropriate for you. Early testing is especially important within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear, as antiviral medications for influenza work best when started promptly. Timely testing at Universal Primary Care can help determine whether your symptoms are due to the flu, COVID-19, or another respiratory illness, especially during peak seasons or local outbreaks.

Getting tested is particularly important for individuals at higher risk for complications, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. If you have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of influenza or COVID-19—or if you work in a healthcare or congregate living setting—please contact us for guidance on testing and next steps.

If your symptoms are severe—such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or persistent high fever—seek immediate medical attention. Our providers are here to support you and answer any questions you may have. Always consult our team for recommendations based on your unique situation and the latest public health guidelines.

At Universal Primary Care, accurate and timely diagnosis of influenza (the flu) is a key part of helping our patients recover quickly and prevent the spread of illness within our community. We utilize several types of influenza tests in our practice, choosing the best option based on your needs and clinical situation.

● Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs): These are among the most commonly used tests in our primary care clinics. RIDTs can detect flu antigens in a respiratory sample (like a nasal swab) and provide results within 10 to 15 minutes. This means you can get answers during your appointment and begin treatment promptly if needed. However, these tests may sometimes miss cases of flu (false negatives), especially when flu activity is high.

● Rapid Molecular Assays: For patients who need a more accurate result quickly, we also offer rapid molecular assays. These tests detect the genetic material of the influenza virus and are more sensitive than standard rapid tests. Results are usually available within about 20 minutes, making them ideal for our busy outpatient and walk-in settings, especially during flu season.

● RT-PCR Testing: When the highest level of accuracy is required, such as for patients with severe symptoms, those at higher risk of complications, or during outbreaks, can send samples for RT-PCR testing. This laboratory-based test can differentiate between influenza A and B and is the gold standard for flu diagnosis. While RT-PCR results take longer (several hours to a day), they are extremely reliable and help guide important treatment or public health decisions.

● Viral Culture: In rare cases, especially if we need to further analyse the virus (such as checking for antiviral resistance), we may recommend a viral culture. However, this method is not routinely used in our primary care setting because it takes several days to produce results.

Our providers consider your symptoms, risk factors, and how quickly results are needed when selecting the appropriate influenza test. Rapid tests are ideal for most outpatient visits so you can get answers—and relief—without delay. For complex cases, we have access to advanced laboratory testing to ensure you receive the best possible care.

At Universal Primary Care, we are dedicated to helping our patients manage and recover from the flu as quickly and comfortably as possible. If you are experiencing flu symptoms, our healthcare providers can recommend several effective treatments to reduce the severity and duration of your illness.

● Medical Treatment Options: If you visit us within the first 48 hours of flu symptom onset, our providers may prescribe antiviral medications. These medications, when started early, can help shorten the course of the flu and decrease its severity.

● Supportive Care at Home: Our care team will also recommend supportive measures you can take at home to aid your recovery:
○ Rest: Allowing your body ample time to rest is crucial for fighting off the infection.
○ Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, and oral electrolyte solutions, to prevent dehydration.

● Symptom Relief: Over-the-counter medications can help reduce fever, headaches, and muscle aches. For congestion or cough, our providers can advise you on the safe use of decongestants and cough suppressants, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are treating children.

Additional comfort measures—such as using a humidifier, taking steamy showers, and sipping warm fluids—can help soothe a sore throat and ease congestion. We also recommend avoiding smoking or secondhand smoke, as this can irritate your respiratory system and slow your recovery.

If you are a patient and your symptoms are severe, persist beyond a few days, or if you have chronic health conditions that may increase your risk for complications, please contact our office promptly. Our team is here to provide timely assessment and care to ensure your safety and well-being.

Remember, annual flu vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent influenza. If you haven’t had your flu shot this season, contact us to schedule an appointment.

At Universal Primary Care, we are committed to providing accurate and timely diagnosis for common illnesses such as influenza (the flu). After a person is exposed to the influenza virus, the infection typically becomes detectable within 1 to 4 days—the usual incubation period for the flu. Accurate detection depends on the type of test used. We utilize both rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) and molecular assays like reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to identify the presence of the flu virus in respiratory samples.

The flu virus begins to shed—meaning it can be detected and transmitted—about 24 hours before symptoms appear and reaches its peak during the first 3 to 4 days of illness. Because of this, testing is most accurate when done early in the course of symptoms, ideally within the first 48 to 72 hours after you start feeling unwell. Testing too soon after exposure (before symptoms start) may result in a false negative, as the virus may not have reached detectable levels yet.

While our highly sensitive molecular tests can sometimes detect influenza before symptoms begin, the most reliable time to get tested is when you first notice symptoms and in the following few days.

If you have been exposed to the flu or are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches, we recommend contacting us as soon as possible. Early testing and diagnosis allow us to provide the most effective care, including antiviral treatment if appropriate, and help prevent the spread of influenza to others.

When you experience flu symptoms, prompt testing is essential for an accurate diagnosis. At Universal Primary Care, we use the latest diagnostic tools to perform rapid flu tests that provide results within minutes. This helps ensure that you receive the right treatment as quickly as possible, whether it’s for the flu or other similar illnesses.

We can accurately detect influenza using advanced laboratory tests, especially when performed shortly after symptoms begin. If you are concerned about the flu or have been recently exposed, please reach out to our team promptly for the best care and guidance. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2734 Ming Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93304. We serve patients from Bakersfield CA, Maltha CA, Kayandee CA, Panama CA, Arvin CA, Fairfax CA, Rosedale CA, and surrounding areas.