Should I Get a Flu Test?

If you are asking yourself the question, "should I get a flu test," then chances are it would not hurt to see your doctor and have them determine if you need one. According to the CDC, flu-like symptoms include the following:

  • Headaches
  • Body Aches
  • Sore Throat
  • High Fever
  • Extreme Tiredness
  • Possibly a Runny Nose
  • Sometimes Diarrhea and Vomiting (especially in children)
Should I Get a Flu Test?
You may choose to see your doctor and ask for a flu test if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Your doctor can administer the QuickVueŽ Influenza A+B Test and can have results in just 10 minutes. If it is determined that you do have the flu, your doctor may recommend an appropriate treatment program for you. This may or may not include the use of antiviral medication, such as Tamiflu. If your diagnosis of the flu is within 48 hours after you first experience symptoms, antiviral medications may be helpful to reduce the flu like symptoms and may actually help you get over the flu faster. In contrast, your doctor may not place you on antiviral medication, but rather advise you that the best treatment is to get plenty of rest and drink large amount of fluids. The best treatment for you may be to let the flu virus run its course. In any case, it is important to see your doctor so that they may recommend appropriate treatment options. The flu may cause extreme tiredness, and it will most likely require lots of rest to help get over it.1,2,3

1http://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms.htm
2http://www.flutest.com/rapid-flu-test/
3http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

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Should I Get a Flu Test?
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Should I get a flu test?  This website is not providing medical advice. You and your doctor should make all medical decisions.
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