Everything you need to know about rapid flu tests
It’s the dead of winter, and all of a sudden, you’re not feeling well. Your body’s achy all over, and you’ve developed a fever, cough and sore throat. Thinking about all the things on your to-do list, you try to resist the urge to climb back into bed.
You believe you might’ve gotten the pesky flu. But it could just be flu-like symptoms, but not actually the flu, caused by other common illnesses, such as the common cold or strep throat. All you know is you want to start feeling better and fast. You decide to head to your closest urgent care for a flu test.
When is the best time to get a rapid flu test?
When it comes to the timing, there’s no hard and fast rule with a rapid flu test. Symptoms for the flu can vary from one person to the next and from one flu season to the next, so if your healthcare provider suggests a test based on your symptoms, you may consider taking it.
However, if a patient presents with what appears to be the flu, physicians will treat for the flu, even without a test. This could mean prescribing antiviral drugs or other medications to help alleviate flu symptoms until the virus has naturally taken its course.
The best utility for a rapid flu test is when symptoms are not necessarily indicative of the flu and when you’re trying to distinguish between the flu and another upper respiratory infection. And since the antiviral medications used to treat flu only work if you start them within the first two days of illness, it’s important to come in for testing and treatment right away.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends rapid flu tests, or rapid influenza diagnostic tests, during an acute respiratory disease outbreak to determine if influenza is the cause. Beyond helping your provider get an accurate diagnosis, these tests evaluate viruses spreading in the community and ensure that control measures are in place.
How accurate is a rapid flu test at detecting the Influenza Virus?
While it may only take 10-15 minutes to detect the presence of influenza virus antigens, rapid flu tests are not failproof. They don’t always catch every flu infection and tend to work better in children than adults.
Effectiveness varies depending on the type of diagnostic test used and the type of influenza that is circulating, which can cause false negative and, to a lesser extent, false positive testing results.
Still, if your symptoms resemble the seasonal flu, it might be helpful to check for flu viruses—rapid flu testing is the quickest way. Your healthcare provider will know when to use screening tests appropriately and may still treat you for the flu, even if the test is negative, based on your symptoms.
How long does the rapid flu test take?
The rapid flu test is usually completed during a visit with your provider and paired with a physical exam. The physical exam usually takes 10-15 minutes, while the rapid test only takes 10-15 minutes to produce results.
The test involves swabbing your nasal cavity or the back of your throat with a swab. You may feel a tickling sensation, but the discomfort is temporary. Depending on the type of test being used, results are typically available in 10-15 minutes.
Your provider will evaluate the result of the test, and treatment will be discussed.
Could I have prevented getting sick?
Your best chance at avoiding the flu is to prepare for the winter season. Getting a flu shot should be your first line of defense, especially if you’re pregnant, older than 65 or are at higher risk for flu complications.
Though it may be too late for a flu vaccination if you’ve already gotten sick, other daily prevention methods can help keep you healthy. For starters, wash your hands regularly, eat a balanced diet and sleep at least seven hours a night (if you’re not already doing so).
Feeling sick and want to get back to your normal self? The caring providers at an urgent care center near you are there when you need them most. To get started, find a walk-in urgent care in your neighborhood.
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