05/02/2024
There are a number of flu tests currently available that are used in flu diagnosis. The most commonly used tests are called “rapid influenza diagnostic tests and are favored because they can provide results in 30 minutes or less. However, these tests vary in their ability to detect flu viruses, which can depend on the type of rapid test used and also the type of flu viruses that are currently circulating. Often, doctors will use the rapid flu test before prescribing flu drugs, which must be taken within 48 hours of the first flu symptoms.