Flu test - whats the point?

ASSUMING you are not going to get Tamiflu as a prescription is there any point in getting a flu test?

I got sick this weekend - body ache, fatigue, scratchy throat with a bit of a cough. nose started running today.

Friend said I should get a flu test - but why?

Its past the point of Tamiflu (I heard its best within 48 hours of the initial symptoms)

Its not like I would act differently if I have the flu vs a regular cold.
I will still try to rest more and get more liquids.

also...does anyone else avoid medication for colds?
I've always heard:
If you take medicine for a cold you get better in a week, if you don't take medicine you get better in 7 days.

All the medicine does is treat the symptoms...but is it good to treat the symptoms?
For example fever (assuming its not at a danger level) is the bodys way to fight the infection so why suppress it?
Coughing is the body's way to try to get rid of phlegm and so on...so I've always avoid medicine for colds.

But the joint pain and achy muscles is a pain this time lol.
Im getting older so I can't deal with things as easily anymore!
so I'm debating whether to take an ibuprofen.

Message edited 2/5/2018 3:43:52 PM.

Re: Flu test - whats the point?

I wouldn't bother sitting in a germy doctor's office and paying a copay just to find out if I had flu or not.
Plus i hear they are short on the rapid tests so they might not even have one for you.

When DH had it a few years ago he tested positive for it. Then DD did too. So when I got sick in the midst of this with the same symptoms I knew I had it. I didn't bother going to the Dr because I would not take Tamiflu regardless.

In terms of meds, I find cold meds (like dayquil) don't do shit for me.
What works for me is advil for pain and aches and even sore throat- any kind of pain.
And at night, an old school benedryl (The newer generation allergy meds that are non drowsy like Allegra or claritin, are not effective for cold symptoms just allergies)

I sleep with the vaporizer on too

And i up my vits and supplements.

Message edited 2/5/2018 3:54:40 PM.

Re: Flu test - whats the point?

I think the point is so you know. However, I did not get a flu test (no health insurance for the US), but the other 5 members of the household did and tested positive.

Sudafed worked for me, as did Advil. Actually any kind of pain killer worked the best for me. The pain was so bad I needed something. It also brought the fever down.

Flu test - whats the point?

I would need to have a doctor write me a note for an extended absence. So if it’s the flu I would need that documented.

Flu test - whats the point?

The first time dd was sick for a few days and I was fine with skipping the test bc I didn't want tamiflu for her. As days and days went by and she was still sick and I was left wondering what was wrong I wished I knew for sure one way or another.

Two weeks later when she got sick again i went straight to the doctor for a test so i wouldn't be going crazy wondering. Didn't matter bc they were out of tests!

As far as meds, I generally only do Motrin for fevers over 102 or if there's pain like achiness, sore throat, or a headache. I don't really do decongestants or cough meds except straight honey.

Flu test - whats the point?

Idk if I would for myself, but would for my child. I’d want to rule out strep (that needs antibiotics) and would probably check on them more frequently overnight if it was confirmed flu as it can progress to dangerous levels very quickly.

Flu test - whats the point?

If you or your child has asthma or is otherwise immuno compromised, it is important to know because flu can progress quickly to the lungs and it's not uncommon for people with the flu to develop pneumonia. Also, for me, it's important to distinguish between something like flu and a sinus infection or bronchitis because one is outrageously contagious and I would take extra precautions around the house and with other family members and school/work.

Flu test - whats the point?

I think the point is so in case the rest of your family ends up sick, you know if it's potentially the flu or not.

My niece was diagnosed with the flu today after going to the dr for a sore throat and high fever. She has strep...and my sister asked for the flu test. It said negative. She got a call a couple of hours later that it turned after 10 minutes and it was positive. So, those rapid tests aren't all that accurate anyway though. I mean, how many doctors probably throw them out right after the 10 minutes?

Flu test - whats the point?

I think the point is so in case the rest of your family ends up sick, you know if it's potentially the flu or not.

My niece was diagnosed with the flu today after going to the dr for a sore throat and high fever. She has strep...and my sister asked for the flu test. It said negative. She got a call a couple of hours later that it turned after 10 minutes and it was positive. So, those rapid tests aren't all that accurate anyway though. I mean, how many doctors probably throw them out right after the 10 minutes?

Re: Flu test - whats the point?

If you don’t plan on taking tamiflu , then it doesn’t really matter. Anytime you’re sick, cold, flu , anything really , you should always take precautions to not spread the illness.

With medication , yes, it’s to help the symptoms of the illness to make is a little easier to deal. When I have a fever, my entire body is sensitive to touch. Even my clothes ache on my skin. So I need the Tylenol every 6 hours just to function. I don’t take cough suppressants only expectorant because I want what we mucus that’s in there to come out. And it helps with the congestion. I’m big on the Neti pot and drinking tea with fresh ginger. Love. Natural a lternatives first - but if there aren’t helping.. that’s what meds are for.

Message edited 2/5/2018 5:53:31 PM.

Re: Flu test - whats the point?

To know you have the flu... same for any other medical tests.

Re: Flu test - whats the point?

for the 2nd part of your quesion-i think it depends. I never take those all in one cold medicines & I don't ususally take anything constantly, but sometimes you need to calm your symptoms down for certain occassions.

For example, if you have to be in public, and don't want to be coughing, or if coughing is keeping you awake, cough maedicne could help,

I usually jsut take a decogestant and only when it gets to the point that Icna't focus on anything else--I have read that it can help the congestion from settling in one place and leading to infection, but I aslo use a saline spray as much as possible.

Re: Flu test - whats the point?

The meds help your body have strength to fight the cold and keep you a bit more comfortable.

I always high dose on vitamin c and take pills for sinus. If I’m too congested I can’t sleep. Sleep is important to get well.

Also, it can help prevent spread. Running nose and coughing spreads the germs.

I had a cold virus turn into pneumonia. It was awful and very serious. It can be no joke. I just try everything to get better now.

Hope you get well soon.

Re: Flu test - whats the point?

I got the flu last monday, honestly i didnt even need the test, i got hit hard and knew it was the flu. I was given tamiflu, i did not take it. I was on a zpac, inhaler and steriods as well. I actually had to take a leave from work cause i was down for tge count for 8 dsys. The flu test actually helped me get approved for the leave.

Flu test - whats the point?

So u can get a note to be out of work

Re: Flu test - whats the point?

Message edited 2/6/2018 8:32:53 AM.

Re: Flu test - whats the point?

For me I want to know because I have family members who are immune compromised. Knowing it is the flu I can take additional precautions to make sure my family is safe.