Stay home from work or school until your symptoms are improving overall and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine. For most people that is about 4 to 7 days after symptoms start. For the next 5 days, take extra care: wash hands often, cover coughs, consider a mask and keep distance from people at higher risk.
Read more
The most common flu complications are pneumonia, sinus infections, ear infections, and worsening of asthma, COPD, heart disease or diabetes. Less common but serious complications include inflammation of the heart, brain or muscles, and sepsis. A key warning sign is feeling better and then getting worse again with fever and a deeper cough. Get seen promptly if that happens.
Read more
Go to the ER or call 911 if flu causes trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, seizures, bluish lips, signs of severe dehydration, or symptoms that improve and then return worse. For typical flu symptoms like fever, body aches, cough and sore throat, urgent care is faster and less expensive, and can test, prescribe antivirals and give fluids or breathing treatments.
Read more
People at higher risk of serious flu complications include adults 65 and older, children under 5, pregnant people and those up to 2 weeks after delivery, and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, obesity or a weakened immune system. If you are high-risk, get a yearly flu shot and get seen quickly if symptoms start, since antivirals are recommended for you.
Read more
Antiviral medicines like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and baloxavir (Xofluza) work best when started within 48 hours of your first flu symptoms. They can shorten the flu by about a day and lower the risk of complications. They are recommended for anyone hospitalized and for people at higher risk, and may be prescribed to healthy people seen early. Urgent care providers can prescribe them after a quick exam or flu test.
Read more
The CDC recommends a yearly flu shot for almost everyone 6 months and older. The best time to get it in Virginia is September or October, before flu peaks between December and February, but getting it later still helps. It takes about 2 weeks to build protection. PACS Urgent Care offers walk-in flu shots in Alexandria and Ruther Glen, no appointment needed.
Read more
Yes. The CDC says it is safe to get a flu shot and an updated COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit, usually one in each arm. Getting both at once does not make either vaccine less effective, and side effects are similar to getting them separately. Fall is the best time for both. PACS Urgent Care offers flu shots in Alexandria and Ruther Glen.
Read more
Flu symptoms usually start suddenly 1 to 4 days after exposure, most often around day 2. Fever, chills, body aches and exhaustion are worst in the first 3 days and usually improve by days 5 to 7, but cough and tiredness can last 2 weeks or more. You are most contagious in the first 3 to 4 days. Getting tested in the first 48 hours gives antiviral treatment the best chance to help.
Read more
Take your child to urgent care for flu if they are under 5, have asthma or another chronic condition, have a fever lasting more than 3 days, are drinking less than usual, or have an ear ache or worsening cough. Go to the ER for trouble breathing, bluish lips, dehydration, a fever above 104°F, any fever in a baby under 12 weeks, or if your child is hard to wake.
Read more
Most health insurance plans, Medicare Part B and Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care) cover the yearly flu shot with no copay when you get it from an in-network provider. Without insurance, a flu shot in Virginia typically costs about $30 to $75 depending on the vaccine type and where you go. At PACS Urgent Care, the self-pay flu shot price is listed below.
Read moreTo make your visit as smooth and convenient as possible, we offer online check-in—an easy way to reserve your place in line, similar to joining a waitlist. You’ll receive real-time updates on your estimated wait time, giving you added flexibility and convenience while planning your visit.
Although we do our best to remain on schedule, occasional delays may occur, especially during unexpected increases in walk-in patients. We appreciate your understanding, as these delays allow us to provide every patient with the attentive, quality care they deserve—including you.
Thank you for your patience, your trust, and for choosing our team for your care. We look forward to serving you soon.
