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Flu / Influenza Tests

Flu or influenza tests require a respiratory sample, such as a nasal swab, to check for the presence of the flu virus. Influenza tests provide results within approximately 10 to 15 minutes. If you have flu-like symptoms or are concerned about possibly having the flu, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Symptoms of the flu include:

  • Sudden onset of moderate to high fever.
  • Dry cough.
  • Headache.
  • Sore Throat.
  • Chills.
  • Runny nose.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Tiredness (fatigue).

Your healthcare provider may order a flu test if you have risk factors for flu complications. Risk factors include:

  • Having a weakened immune system.
  • Having a chronic illness.
  • Being pregnant.
  • Being over the age of 65 or under the age of 5.
  • Being in the hospital for treatment for another condition.

You may also need to take a flu test so that public health officials or providers can figure out whether an outbreak of respiratory illness in a community, such as a school or nursing home, has been caused by the flu.