All patients must see our physician before receiving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) PCR testing.

COVID-19-related visits include a physician evaluation and a PCR test, which is the most accurate test available. The PCR test is billed to your insurance by the outside lab and results are typically available in 2-4 days.

A Quidel Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test (results in 15 minutes) may be added on the same day as a physician visit for a cash-pay price of $75.

The Rapid Antigen cash-pay price for asymptomatic patients who are uninsured or need testing for travel or employment is $100.

There is a $25 cash-pay price for the blood draw for an Antibody Test. Check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover the lab cost.

What Is the Difference Between Flu and COVID-19?

What Is the Difference Between Flu and COVID-19? Tampa FL

Flu season has officially arrived, and although influenza should always be taken seriously, this year it is being overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic. It’s easy to understand why COVID-19 is diverting so many people’s attention from flu when you consider that influenza is a longstanding and well-known enemy, while COVID-19 is a brand-new and mysterious threat.

Even so, influenza remains a very real health risk, with many more people currently testing positive for flu than for COVID-19. Further complicating matters is the fact that both contagious viruses can produce similar symptoms.

Flu vs. Coronavirus – Which Is It?

If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, there is only one way to rule out COVID-19 as the cause with certainty: You need to see a medical provider who can provide an accurate diagnosis based on appropriate testing. If you are concerned that you may be infected with COVID-19, come to South Tampa Immediate Care in Tampa, Florida, where you can receive a COVID-19 test on your schedule. Here are some signs to watch for:

  • Fever, chills, and body aches
  • A persistent dry cough
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Unexplained fatigue

Additionally, a new loss of taste or smell is a symptom of COVID-19 that is not generally associated with flu. Another key factor is the intensity of your symptoms. In many cases, COVID-19 produces only very mild symptoms, and sometimes none at all. On the other hand, with the flu, you can go from feeling fine to feeling like you were hit by a truck within a very short timeframe—sometimes less than 30 minutes. Your fever, cough, headache, and sore throat may last for a few days, but your fatigue can linger for weeks.

Your Next Step

If you have a flu-like illness, entrust your health to South Tampa Immediate Care. We’ll help you get to the bottom of it! You can stop by our walk-in clinic in Tampa, FL, at your convenience, or book a virtual visit online. Either way, you will receive personalized medical advice from an experienced provider, who can screen you for COVID-19, let you know if testing is appropriate, and suggest a treatment plan to help you feel better.