Flu & COVID Testing and Respiratory Illness Care

Fever, cough and body aches look alike in the flu, COVID-19 and a bad cold, but the treatment is not the same. At Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Pasadena rapid tests are done in the clinic, with no appointment, and you leave with the diagnosis and treatment at the same visit.

Is it the flu, COVID or a cold?

A cold starts slowly with congestion and sneezing, with little or no fever. The flu hits suddenly: high fever, body aches, intense tiredness and a dry cough. COVID-19 can look like either and sometimes adds loss of smell or taste. Because the symptoms overlap, the only way to know is the test, and whether an antiviral makes sense depends on it.

Which tests are done, and how long do they take?

A rapid influenza A and B test and a COVID-19 test with a nasal swab, with the result in the clinic during the same visit. When there is a sore throat with white patches or fever without cough, the strep test is added. If the cough has lasted more than three weeks, there is trouble breathing or sounds in the chest, the physician evaluates for bronchitis or pneumonia and decides whether an X-ray is needed.

What treatment is given?

It depends on the result. For the flu there is an antiviral that shortens the illness if started within the first 48 hours, especially for people over 65, pregnant women and those with asthma, diabetes or heart disease. For COVID-19 there are antivirals indicated in the first days for those at higher risk. For colds and most bronchitis, which are viral, treatment is for the symptoms: antibiotics do not help and are prescribed only when a bacterial infection is confirmed, such as sinusitis or pneumonia.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Trouble breathing at rest, blue lips or nails, chest pain, confusion, fever that does not come down after three days of treatment, or a child who breathes very fast, will not drink fluids or is very listless. In those cases do not wait for the clinic.

How do I avoid infecting my family?

With the flu or COVID, stay home while you have a fever and until 24 hours after it comes down without medication, wear a mask if you live with older adults or babies, wash your hands and air out the house. The flu vaccine every season lowers the odds that the next flu will be severe.

How much does a visit with testing cost in Pasadena?

We give you the price of the visit and of each test by phone at (281) 747-8817. No health insurance is needed; we accept cash and cards.

What is the visit like?

Walk in from 9 AM to 9 PM; if you have fever and cough, ask for a mask at the front desk. The sample is taken, the result is awaited in the clinic and the physician examines your chest, throat and ears. You leave with a prescription, instructions and, if needed, a note for work or school. Allergies that mimic a cold that never goes away are also seen here.

Medical center near you in Pasadena and Houston, TX

We are a Hispanic clinic in the Houston, TX area: we care for patients across Pasadena and South Houston, South Belt, Genoa, Sagemont, Galena Park, Deer Park, Hobby (Houston) and surrounding communities.