Should I test for flu at home if I have the sniffles? |
You are “coming down with something”. Maybe you have a scratchy throat and body aches. You have an old, combination flu/COVID rapid antigen test in the cupboard.
Should you use it to see if you have the flu? Will it detect the “super-K” flu you’ve heard about? Or is it worth seeing a doctor for a test instead?
Here’s what to know about testing for flu at home.
Remind me, how do we test for flu?
There are two main ways to test for flu.
The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test is known as RT-PCR or, more commonly, just PCR. This is what your GP orders after taking a swab of your nose and back of the throat. This test detects viral genetic material.
But rapid antigen tests or RATs are the type you do at home. These detect particular viral proteins (antigens) in your saliva or nasal secretions.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration lists RATs currently approved in Australia to detect respiratory viruses.
You can check your test against the list. This includes tests that detect various combinations of influenza (types A and B), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (listed as ADV) and COVID.
Both types of tests have their pros and cons. So here........