How To Test for the Flu Virus

Getting tested for the flu won't change how your physician treats your condition, unless you're a high-risk patient (such as a HIV/AIDS patient). Testing for the illness is only a way for your condition to be confirmed. Getting tested during outbreak flu seasons can determine if your illness was caused by the seasonal flu. There are many different tests designed to detect the influenza viruses, with the rapid influenza diagnostic test being the most used. Other tests require a swab from the inside of your nose or the back of your throat.

Things You'll Need

• Diagnostic tests
• Swab cultures
• Possible blood work

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Instructions

Getting Tested

• 1

  Get a rapid influenza diagnostic test within 48 hours of developing flu symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a rapid influenza diagnostic test can detect the presence of the flu virus within 30 minutes.

• 2

  Take any anti-viral medications if they are prescribed by your physician. This can lesson the severity of the flu.

• 3

  Get a culture of your throat or nose. Getting a swab of the inside of your nose or throat can determine if you received the flu during a seasonal outbreak, or if there is some other cause for your symptoms that are mimicking the flu.

• 4

  Give blood samples if your physician requires a sample. Blood tests can help determine whether you're suffering from an infection, which may be the possible cause of your symptoms.

• 5

  If you're in a hospital and feel as if you're coming down with the flu, request that you're physician give you a flu test if he hasn't already. Anti-viral medications should be taken if administered.

• 6

  Ask your physician about the results of your tests. Negative results can occur, especially with a rapid influenza test. At times, tests can result in a negative response when there hasn't been enough of the virus present within the test.