FDA-cleared rapid molecular assays produce results in approximately 15 to 30 minutes, and some are CLIA-waived for use at the point of care (POC). Several other more accurate and sensitive flu tests must be performed in hospital or public health laboratories. These assays have high sensitivity (90 to 95%) and specificity. Rapid molecular assays detect the genetic material of the virus, also produce results in 15 to 20 minutes, but are more accurate than RIDTs. During an influenza outbreak, a positive rapid flu test is likely to indicate infection. RIDTs vary in their ability to detect flu viruses and appear to better detect flu in children than adults. RIDTs can detect parts of the virus (antigens) that usually stimulate an immune response and produce results in about 10 to 15 minutes. Influenza Virus TestsĬommon tests for flu are rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) and rapid molecular assays. During outbreaks in hospitals, long-term care facilities, cruise ships, boarding schools, and summer camps, testing can help determine whether influenza is the cause. However, flu testing can inform clinical management decisions about antiviral treatment, the need for other diagnostic tests, or initiate infection prevention and control measures.įlu tests are recommended when admitting patients with suspected influenza to hospital. Who and When to TestĪlthough flu testing is not required to make a clinical diagnosis, especially when seasonal influenza A and B viruses are circulating locally. People are most contagious in the first 3 to 4 days after illness onset, which occurs from one to four days after exposure. One can spread flu to someone else while or before they know they are sick. People with the flu may have some or all these symptoms: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children).įlu viruses seem to spread mainly by tiny droplets created when sick people cough, sneeze, or talk. Influenza can cause mild to severe and even fatal illness. Influenza A viruses are known to cause flu pandemics. Influenza A and B viruses routinely spread in people and are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year. Influenza or the flu is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and lungs.
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