One test that determines FLU or COVID ..??..

  • One test that determines FLU or COVID ..??..

    Posted by jeb77 on May 6, 2024 at 11:22 am EDT

    Question: Our local urgent care facility is using the same test to determine either the FLU or COVID …. I’m so cynical about ANY of this stuff anymore …. ☼ How does this work … that a single test can determine two different ailments ..??…

    shanks replied 4 days, 7 hours ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
  • 1 Reply
  • shanks

    Member
    May 14, 2024 at 8:18 pm EDT
    15 Activity Points
    90 Community Points

    Hi Jeb, This is probably a rapid antigen test, that looks for genetic material specific to each virus. there are many companies like Pfizer, Abbot etc who have come out with these multiple antigen detecting tests. Historically , if it gets positive and you have symptoms probably correct, but a lot of times people have symptoms and these will test negative. In general the same recommendation remains, if you have a respiratory virus, EARLY treatment is best, often just start before testing. There are protocols for both early RSV/FLU and Covid on the website and a provider directory under resources as well.

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