There are several types of influenza tests available, including molecular assays, cultures, rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs), and immunofluorescence assays. Each of these tests relies on respiratory samples collected through a nasopharyngeal swab or wash taken from the back of the nose or throat. The most common and convenient tests, in terms of efficiency and quick results, are RIDTs and molecular assays, which are also known as nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).

Rapid molecular assays and influenza diagnostic tests take approximately 15 to 30 minutes to complete, while standard molecular assays and immunofluorescence assays take anywhere between one to eight hours for results to come back. In comparison, culture tests take between one to ten days to complete.

For the most accurate results, influenza tests should occur within the first three to four days of illness or when you start noticing symptoms. With that in mind, some signs and symptoms of influenza that you may experience within the first three to four days of symptom-onset include the following:

• Chills
• Cough
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nasal congestion, or stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Weakness and fatigue

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should especially get tested for influenza if any of the following apply to you:

• Hospitalized
• Over the age of 65 or under the age of five
• Pregnant
• Compromised, suppressed, or weakened immune system

A rapid influenza diagnostic test, or RIDT, works by detecting antigens, which are molecules of the virus that trigger an immune response. In comparison, a rapid molecular assay works by detecting genetic material from the virus. Both RIDTs and rapid molecular assays are conducted via nasopharyngeal swabs, which involve the collection of nasal secretions or respiratory samples by a healthcare professional who swipes the back of your nose or throat using a long, thin swab. The process for both types of rapid influenza tests only takes a couple of minutes. After the sample is collected, it is applied to a test strip which will indicate a positive or negative result based on a color change or another visual signal.

There are four different strains of influenza, classified as type A, type B, type C, and type D. Influenza types A and B are the most common strains, as they are responsible for seasonal influenza epidemics nearly every winter in the United States, commonly referred to as flu season from late October to early March. Additionally, influenza A viruses are the only type of influenza known to cause pandemics, which is an epidemic on a global scale. In contrast, influenza type C viruses are generally mild and are not believed to cause epidemics, while influenza type D viruses primarily infect cattle and not humans.

For more information about influenza testing or an appointment with us at Franklin Primary Care, we would love to hear from you! Please call us, schedule an appointment with us right here on our website, or visit our clinic at 225 Nassau Blvd West Hempstead, New York, for a walk-in appointment. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from West Hempstead NY, Franklin Square NY, Garden City NY, New Hyde Park NY, Uniondale NY, Mineola NY, and North Valley Stream NY.