How well can rapid test detect flu?

During an influenza outbreak, a positive rapid flu test is likely to indicate influenza infection. However, rapid tests vary in their ability to detect flu viruses, depending on the type of rapid test used, and on the type of flu viruses circulating. Also, rapid tests appear to be better at detecting flu in children than adults. This variation in ability to detect viruses can result in some people who are infected with flu having a negative rapid test result. (This situation is called a false negative test result.) Despite a negative rapid test result, your health care provider may diagnose you with flu based on your symptoms and their clinical judgment.

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1. How do I know if I have flu?
2. What kinds of flu test are there?
3. How well can rapid test detect flu?
4. Will my health care provider test me for flu if I have flu-like symptoms?
5. Can I have flu and COVID-19 at the same time?
6. Is there a test that can detect both flu and COVID-19?
7. Will the new test that detects both flu and COVID-19 replace other tests?