Flu is short for influenza Infection of the respiratory tract caused by microorganisms. Flu tests allow care providers to determine if they have the flu. If the person has the flu, the caregiver can specify medications to fight the microorganisms if needed. The medications are called antivirals. It works better than anything else when it comes within two days of feeling bedridden for the first time. Antiviral medications can reduce flu symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by about once a day.
Influenza is more common during certain periods of the year and in S O-Caled Flus Season. In the United States, flu season already begins in October and ends in May. The germ is usually spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. You can get the flu by touching a surface where the flu germs are sitting and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth.
Most people who get the flu are bedridden with sore muscles, fever, and other unpleasant symptoms. They usually recover after a week or two; for young children under 5, seniors over 65, and people with long-term health problems, the flu can cause quite serious illness and even death.
There are different types of flu tests available
- Rapid influenza Anti-fast or fast influenza diagnostic test is considered the most common type of flu test. This quick test can guarantee results within 30 minutes, but is not as accurate as other types of flu tests.
- Molecular influenza tests are considered more accurate than quick tests; PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is considered a widely used type of molecular test. Some molecular studies have shown competitive results. However, clear-cut tests may require a longer wait for results because a sample of water must be sent through the nose or mouth to be sent to a special laboratory. Molecular studies can be used to prove rapid test results.
Other names: Sharp Flu Test, influenza Anti-jeet test, fast influenza diagnostic tests, RIDT, PCR influenza.
What are they used for?
Flu tests are used to find out if there is influenza. Flu tests are also used to track outbreaks of influenza in a community and identify the influenza microorganisms that cause infection.
Why is a flu shot needed?
If you have flu symptoms, your doctor can help you determine if you need a flu shot.
- High fever
- Horror
- Muscle
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Damp or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- cough
You may not need a flu shot, even if you have flu symptoms. If flu is widespread in your area, your doctor may be able to diagnose you without testing. Your caregiver will probably perform the flu test sooner if you are at higher risk for more serious flu-related illnesses, such as pneumonia. In your case, your risk may be higher:
- Your immune system is weakened
- You are pregnant
- You are over 65 years old
- Are under 5 years old
- Have or have had cancer.
- Has a chronic (long-term) disease such as asthma or diabetes.
- Is lying in the hospital.
What happens during a flu test?
The flu test requires a water sample from the nose or throat. There are two ways to collect test references
- Smear test. Your doctor takes a monster from your nose or throat with the help of a smear sample.
- Nasal aspiration or washing. Your doctor places a physical solution (salt water) in your mouth, carefully sucks it out and returns it.
Flu tests are still available at home. It is fairly easy to follow all the instructional steps in the test kit. There are two comparable family tests.
- The Express test is performed entirely at home. To perform the test, a sample is usually taken out of the nose. Results are ready within 30 minutes.
- With an offline collection test, you get a kit to collect a water sample and send it to the lab to be tested. The prototype is usually a nose swab or saliva sample. These tests are usually more accurate than quick tests performed at home, but may take several days to get results.
For example, some family studies detect both influenza and covid 19 If you are considering doing a home flu test, your doctor can help you choose the best test for your history.
Do I need to make anything in preparation for the test?
No special preparation for the flu shot is required.
Was there any danger in the test?
If the swab is removed from the throat or nose you can suffer from vomiting and itching. Suction or nasal washes can cause discomfort. These effects are considered temporary.
What do the results mean?
A positive test result means that you may have the flu. There may also be false positive results. In other words, the test indicates that you have the flu, but you do not. Depending on how you feel, your doctor may be able to prescribe medication that will certainly help prevent the flu from growing into a more serious illness.
A negative result means that you may not be infected with influenza. Another bacterium or bacteria could be causing the symptoms. However, the possibility of influenza cannot be ruled out. This is because a false-negative result is very likely. This means that you are infected with influenza even though the test says you are not infected with influenza.
The rapid test often produces more false negatives than the test sent to the laboratory. False-negative results can occur even if the test is performed after the body’s influenza bacteria have begun to decrease. If the risk of serious illness from influenza is high, the physician may prescribe antiviral medications even if the test result is negative. Other tests may be needed to make a diagnosis.
Some tests look for the presence of influenza and other bacteria. If you are tested for more than one organism, results will be listed separately for each organism.
If you have questions about your results, please consult your health care provider.
Is there anything else I should know about the flu shot?
The annual flu vaccine (flu shot) is your best defense against serious flu illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for most people 6 months of age and older. If you have questions about the flu vaccine, consult your health care provider.
Available through MedlinePlus at the State Medical Library.
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