Exams and Tests
Doctors can diagnose
(flu) using your symptoms alone if many
cases of a similar illness have occurred in the community and if the local
health department has confirmed a flu outbreak.
Tests to confirm
you have the flu and to determine the type of virus may be important if:
- The results may affect treatment decisions.
During a confirmed flu outbreak, however, testing may not be needed even if
treatment with an antiviral medicine is being considered.
- In
addition to flu-like symptoms, you have any unusual symptoms that suggest
another condition.
- Health authorities have not identified any other
cases of flu in your area.
Testing may involve blood tests (rarely used) or a
to identify the virus. Some cultures take 24
to 48 hours for results, so they will not help your doctor decide whether to
prescribe an antiviral medicine. A rapid flu test is now available that gives
results in 30 minutes. Although this test is not 100% accurate, it can be
useful when deciding whether to use an antiviral medicine.