VEI Clinic · Influenza
Flu (influenza) often starts with a sudden high fever, muscle aches and chills, and leaves you feeling much more run-down than a cold. At VEI Clinic, we test a sample from your nose or throat and prescribe an oral antiviral or a single-dose injectable antiviral based on the results and symptoms. If a high fever makes it hard to eat, you can also receive fluids and fever treatment in a private IV room.
A cold usually starts with nose and throat symptoms, such as a runny nose or sore throat, and often causes little or no fever. Flu often brings a sudden fever of 38°C or higher, aches all over the body, a headache and chills.
Symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish the two, so testing is helpful if you develop a fever during flu season.
A rapid antigen test uses a swab sample from the nose or throat and usually gives results in 10 to 15 minutes. Testing too early after symptoms begin can give a negative result. Even with a negative test, we consider your symptoms and how widely flu is circulating.
If a more accurate result is needed, a PCR test can be sent to a laboratory, and results usually take about a day.
Antivirals work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. They may still be prescribed later for people at high risk.
If any of the following apply, seek care early because flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia. Go to an emergency room right away if you have shortness of breath, chest pain or reduced alertness.
Injectable antivirals and IVs may include services that are not covered by National Health Insurance. We explain this before your consultation. Medical certificates, receipts and an itemized statement for an insurance claim are available on request.
An internal medicine specialist examines you in person and chooses treatment based on both your test results and symptoms. All IV rooms are private rooms, so you can rest separately from other patients while you have a fever.
FAQ
Rapid antigen test results are usually ready 10 to 15 minutes after the sample is taken. A PCR test usually takes about a day.
The two methods are generally considered similar in effectiveness. Oral medication is taken for 5 days, while the injection is given once. We consider the injection for people who cannot keep medication down because of vomiting or who find it difficult to keep up with the doses.
Medical certificates, receipts and an itemized statement are available on request. Reimbursement depends on your policy terms, so please check with your insurer.
We recommend resting until at least 24 hours after your fever has gone away without fever-reducing medication. Wear a mask if you still have a cough.
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