Free Virus Testing for Flu, RSV, and COVID-19
(RILEY COUNTY, KS – December 9, 2022) Starting Monday, December 12th, Riley County Health Department will offer free testing for influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 viruses from their mobile response trailer. Appointments will be required. There will be no charge to patients for any of these tests.
To participate, patients schedule a testing appointment using the online portal at www.rileycountyks.gov/test. Appointments can be made for the same day. There is only one appointment option, but when patients visit the mobile trailer, they will be able to choose which tests they want. Results from each test will be sent directly to the patient via text or email.
Testing appointments will be available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. only. One swab/sample will be taken for each test performed.
“There are many viruses going around right now, and a lot of people are ill. While some have similar symptoms, the treatment options and risks are different for each, and the duration of the illnesses can differ as well,” said Health Department Director Julie Gibbs. “The CDC recommends those who test positive for COVID-19 isolate for at least 5 days. This is different from isolation recommendations for other respiratory illnesses.”
Testing is possible for the Riley County community through support from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Test supplies and lab support are being provided at no cost to patients. RCHD is offering facility and staff support to make this testing possible.
SCHEDULE A TEST
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS
“If you have any symptoms, please get tested,” said Gibbs. “Call your physician if you are considered high risk for complications and you have symptoms. If you have life threatening symptoms, please seek medical attention right away.”
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, influenza, or RSV should take precautions to avoid spreading illness to others. The same measures that reduce risk for COVID-19 spread are effective at reducing transmission of the other viruses.
“If you’re sick, stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. It’s always a good idea to call your doctor if you have questions,” said Gibbs. “Some people can experience mild illness with some of these viruses, but anyone who would like advice should call their healthcare provider right away. If your symptoms are severe, such as difficulty breathing or very high fever, don’t wait – seek medical care immediately.”
VACCINE INFO
The single best way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and seasonal flu, and their potentially serious complications, is to get vaccinated. Please note, there are no available vaccines for RSV at this time.
Both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available at the Riley County Health Department Clinic. Walk-ins are welcome. People can also schedule vaccination appointments in advance by calling (785) 776-4779 ext. 7675.
Riley County Health Clinic Hours:
- Mon-Wed: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Thurs: noon – 6 p.m.
- Fri: 8:30 – 11 a.m.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive vaccinations. The Health Department does not charge any fees for COVID-19 vaccines but there may be an out-of-pocket fee for flu vaccines. If applicable, patients should bring their health insurance card for flu vaccinations. Find more information about the flu and flu vaccines on the Riley County website at https://www.rileycountyks.gov/flu
In November, the Riley County Health Department administered a total of 1,253 immunizations. This total includes 557 COVID-19 vaccines, 347 flu vaccines, and 349 other immunizations such as tetanus and MMR.
LEARN MORE ABOUT:
COVID-19
Influenza
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Schedule a Test
Original source can be found here.
