How long will flu show up on a rapid test?

[North of Mouse]

My daughter got sick on Sunday. Lots of friends in her class have strep.

My husband took her to the doctor yesterday and she tested negative for strep, but the doctor said that sometimes happens and he was going to treat her for strep anyway. He prescribed an antibiotic.

Well, now there is a local flu outbreak and I googled flu symtoms and she has each and every one. I'm annoyed that when the strep test came back negative the doctor didn't follow up with a flu test. I'd rather not have her take antibiotic if not needed.

She is actually a little better today and my husband and I have differing opinions as to whether to send her for a flu test. Would it still show up? She started symptoms on Saturday but felt really bad on Sunday.

Wow, the Dr. gave her antibiotics 'just because'?? That's why there's such an 'over' use of them. Also, if she really had the flu, you wouldn't have to 'wonder' after a few days. It would be VERY evident.

Also, my children never had sore throats with the flu (us either), mostly terrible muscle aches, weakness, and high fevers. I usually get the flu vaccine now - the flu is just too terrible and long lasting to have, when it can be prevented -JMO.

Hope she is feeling better - just wish Drs would not over prescribe antibiotics when they weren't necessary.

 

[Poohforyou]

According to the symptom list as flu.gov a cough and/or sore throat is a symptom of the flu. Here's the full list:

- a 100 or higher fever or feeling feverish
- cough and/or sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- headache and/or body aches
- chills
- fatigue
- nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

Our doctor has occasionally treated dd for strep based on symptoms when the rapid strep was negative. The lab test always came back positive.

 

[AC7179]

Thanks for all the info.

There were ten children out from her class today!

Her doctor said bring her in so I did today. She tested negative for flu, but the doctor said she was puzzled bc her practice has seen about 25 children (I can't remember if it was this week or in the last few days) and they've all presented with the same symptoms and half have had flu and half haven't. My guess is its just a particularly nasty virus. I appreciate all the help.

As far as the sore throat---her doctor said yes, it can be a symptom of flu I'm children. I've had people just as qualified tell me with definiteness that it is NOT so there seems to be different schools of thought as far as that goes. Interesting!


Hoping she's on the way to recovery.

 

[AC7179]

My daughter is fully recovered! Thanks for all the nice healing thoughts!


My husband is now lying in bed with 102 fever. Ugh! It has to be over soon!

 

[LaurLaur04]

As long as you are infected it will show. HOWEVER, if you have already had symptoms for over 48 hours Tamiflu won't really work for you.

 

[RebeccaUC]

As long as you are infected it will show. HOWEVER, if you have already had symptoms for over 48 hours Tamiflu won't really work for you.

True...last year I tested positive and since it was 12 hours after the 48 hour limit they wouldn't give me the Tamiflu. Bummer because it does work to shorten the duration and symptoms.

 

[Lita]

My kids have tested positive for both strep and the flu at the same time in the past. It impossible to rule out one or both without testing. You can't go by symptoms and say that one illness presents differently than the other.

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[monsterkitty]

There is a really nasty virus going around our school. It starts in the chest with a horrible and painful cough. Fever, sore throat, and headache are going along with it. Everyone I know who has had this and has gone to the doctor has been told it is just a virus that is going around but to be careful because it has led to secondary infections. No one has had a confirmed case of the flu or strep, but two teachers have be en diagnosed with pneumonia.

 

[mkymouse1928]

Did she just have the rapid strep test? I had strep over the summer with very classic symptoms. The nurse practitioner nearly fell over when the rapid strep test came back negative. She went ahead and prescribed antibiotics and did a traditional test. I got a call the next day saying I did, indeed, have strep.