Flu Season 2025: Get Tested & Treated Fast at Monarch Medicine Urgent Care
Swift Testing & Treatment for Flu 2025
The CDC reports that flu activity typically begins to increase in October, peaks between December and February, and can last as late as May—making early testing and treatment critical for recovery. Fall and winter bring more than just cooler temperatures—they usher in flu season, along with a surge in upper respiratory infections (URIs), COVID-19, RSV, and strep throat.
If you’re feeling under the weather in Carmel, Indiana, you don’t need to wait days for a doctor’s appointment or spend hours in the emergency room. Monarch Medicine Urgent Care offers rapid testing and physician-led treatment to get you back on your feet quickly.
Why Rapid Testing Matters This Flu Season
When you’re experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches, knowing what’s causing your symptoms is the first step to effective treatment. Is it the flu? COVID-19? Strep throat? RSV? Each illness requires a different approach, and guessing won’t help you recover faster.
Studies show that when Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is started within 48 hours of symptom onset, it can reduce the duration of flu symptoms by approximately 1-2 days and lower the risk of complications by up to 44%.
That’s where rapid testing makes all the difference.
At Monarch Medicine, we offer comprehensive rapid testing with results in minutes—not days. Our on-site testing includes:
- Influenza A & B (Flu) – Rapid flu tests provide results in 15 minutes, allowing us to prescribe antiviral medications like Tamiflu when appropriate
- COVID-19 Antigen Testing – Fast, accurate COVID tests help you know your status and protect those around you
- Strep Throat (Rapid Strep Test) – Quick identification means we can start antibiotic treatment immediately if needed
- RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) – Especially important for infants, young children, and older adults
- Mononucleosis (Mono) – Rapid testing for teens and young adults with persistent fatigue and sore throat
Why speed matters: Many viral infections benefit from early treatment. Tamiflu, for example, works best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. The sooner you’re tested, the sooner you can begin the right treatment.
Common Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infections
Not sure if you should come in? Here are common signs that rapid testing and medical evaluation can help:
Flu Symptoms:
- High fever (often 100°F or higher)
- Body aches and chills
- Dry cough
- Extreme fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
COVID-19 Symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- New loss of taste or smell
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and body aches
Strep Throat Symptoms:
- Severe sore throat (often without cough)
- Painful swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- White patches on tonsils
- Fever
RSV Symptoms (especially in children):
- Runny nose and congestion
- Cough and wheezing
- Rapid or difficult breathing
- Fever
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, walk into Monarch Medicine for same-day testing and treatment. No appointment necessary.
According to healthcare data, upper respiratory infections account for over 75 million physician visits annually in the United States, with urgent care facilities treating nearly 30% of these cases.
Why Choose Monarch Medicine for Flu Season Care?
1. Physician-Led Care
Unlike many urgent care clinics that rely on nurse practitioners, Monarch Medicine is staffed by board-certified physicians. That means you receive expert diagnosis and treatment from experienced medical doctors who can handle complex cases and provide comprehensive care.
Our board-certified physicians have extensive training in emergency medicine and family practice, with years of experience diagnosing and treating respiratory infections. Unlike nurse practitioners who complete 2-3 years of graduate education, physicians undergo 7-11 years of medical training including medical school and residency, equipping them to handle complex and acute medical situations.
2. Rapid Testing with Immediate Results
Our on-site rapid testing delivers results in minutes, not days. No waiting for lab results or wondering what’s causing your symptoms. You’ll walk out knowing your diagnosis and with a treatment plan in hand.
3. Comprehensive Treatment Options
Once we identify what’s making you sick, we can provide immediate treatment:
- Antiviral medications (Tamiflu for flu)
- Antibiotics (for strep throat and bacterial infections)
- Nebulizer treatments (for wheezing and breathing difficulty)
- IV fluids (for dehydration)
- Symptom management (fever reducers, cough suppressants, pain relief)
4. X-Rays On-Site
Persistent cough? Chest pain? We have digital X-ray capabilities right here in our Carmel clinic. If your symptoms suggest pneumonia or another respiratory complication, we can diagnose and treat it on the spot with the help of our on-site radiology technologist.
5. No Long ER Wait
The emergency room is for life-threatening emergencies. For flu, respiratory infections, and most illnesses, urgent care is the smarter choice. At Monarch Medicine, you’ll be seen quickly without the 4-hour ER wait—and at a fraction of the cost.
6. Transparent Pricing
We believe healthcare should be straightforward. Our self-pay option is a transparent ~$150 per visit for new patients, and we accept most major insurance plans. No surprises.
When to Seek Urgent Care for Flu or Respiratory Illness
You should visit us if you experience:
- Fever lasting more than 3 days
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Severe sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- Persistent vomiting or dehydration
- Symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen
- High-risk factors (pregnancy, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, age 65+)
When to go to the ER instead:
- Severe difficulty breathing or bluish lips
- Chest pain with shortness of breath
- Confusion or inability to stay awake
- Severe dehydration with no urine output
For most flu and respiratory illnesses, Monarch Medicine Urgent Care is your best option for fast, affordable, physician-led care.
Flu Prevention: What You Can Do Now
While we’re here to treat you when you’re sick, prevention is always the best medicine. Here’s how to protect yourself and your family this flu season:
- Get your flu shot – The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older
- Wash your hands frequently – Soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid close contact with sick people – Stay home if you’re ill to prevent spreading illness
- Cover coughs and sneezes – Use your elbow, not your hands
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces – Doorknobs, light switches, phones, keyboards
Get your flu shot – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older and can reduce flu illnesses by 40-60% when well-matched to circulating strains.
Even with the best prevention, illnesses happen. When they do, we’re here to help.
Walk In Today—No Appointment Needed
Flu season doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Monarch Medicine Urgent Care is open 7 days a week, and walk-ins are always welcome. Whether you’re dealing with the flu, COVID-19, strep throat, or just feeling under the weather, our physicians are ready to test, diagnose, and treat you today.
Location:Monarch Medicine Urgent Care 90 Executive Drive, Suite A Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (317) 804-4203
Services: Rapid testing (flu, COVID, strep, RSV, mono), X-rays, physician-led care, nebulizer treatments, IV fluids, and more.
Don’t let the flu or a respiratory infection slow you down. Visit Monarch Medicine today and get the fast, effective care you deserve.
Ready to feel better? Walk in today or call (317) 804-4203 to learn more about our rapid testing and treatment options.
If you experience flu symptoms such as high fever, body aches, or a sore throat, it’s important to rest and stay hydrated while you seek care. Monitor your symptoms closely, and if they worsen or persist beyond a few days, consider visiting Monarch Medicine for rapid testing and treatment. In the meantime, avoid close contact with others to prevent spreading the illness, and practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently.
Flu vaccines are designed to protect against the most common strains of the virus circulating each season. While they are not 100% effective, they significantly reduce the risk of contracting the flu and can lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. The CDC recommends annual vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, as it is the best way to prevent flu-related complications and hospitalizations.
Yes, at Monarch Medicine, you can receive rapid testing for multiple illnesses during your visit. Our comprehensive testing includes options for influenza A & B, COVID-19, strep throat, RSV, and mononucleosis. This allows for a quick and accurate diagnosis, enabling our physicians to provide the most effective treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms.
Untreated flu or respiratory infections can lead to serious complications, especially in high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Complications may include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and worsening of pre-existing conditions like asthma or heart disease. Early diagnosis and treatment at Monarch Medicine can help prevent these complications and promote a quicker recovery.
While flu and COVID-19 share many symptoms, there are some differences. Flu symptoms typically include sudden onset of fever, body aches, and chills, while COVID-19 may present with a new loss of taste or smell, persistent cough, and shortness of breath. If you experience symptoms of either illness, it’s crucial to get tested promptly at Monarch Medicine to determine the cause and receive appropriate care.
Monarch Medicine prioritizes patient safety, especially during flu season. We implement strict hygiene protocols, including regular sanitization of surfaces, use of personal protective equipment by staff, and social distancing measures in our waiting areas. Additionally, we encourage patients to wear masks if they exhibit respiratory symptoms, ensuring a safe environment for everyone seeking care.
If you experience flu symptoms that last more than three days, or if you develop severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or persistent vomiting, you should seek urgent care immediately. Additionally, individuals with high-risk factors, such as pregnancy or chronic health conditions, should not hesitate to visit Monarch Medicine for evaluation and treatment as soon as symptoms arise.
Dr. Lisa Clay, MD, FAAFP Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician Cofounder & Medical Director, Monarch Medicine Urgent Care, Carmel, IN
With almost 2 decades of clinical experience, Dr. Lisa Clay is a board-certified family physician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP). She is the cofounder and Medical Director of Monarch Medicine Urgent Care in Carmel, Indiana, where she specializes in urgent care, preventive health, and pediatric care for families in the community.
Dr. Clay’s passion for accessible, patient-centered medicine drives her commitment to providing expert, compassionate care for all ages. She is dedicated to keeping families safe and healthy year-round, especially during busy summer months when camp injuries are most common. Dr. Clay regularly contributes insights on children’s health, urgent care best practices, and seasonal wellness tips.