Are the strep test and the flu test the same?

Known more commonly as the flu, the influenza virus is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Influenza virus is basically a collective term for a collection of closely related viruses. Fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue are symptoms of the flu. Symptoms persist throughout the flu, which usually lasts seven days or more.

Although the flu can strike at any time of the year, it is most common during "flu season", which occurs in winter and early spring. Many medical specialists recommend that people get a flu shot before flu season to reduce the risk of getting sick. At SpectrumPS, you can get your flu shot quickly and easily.

What is staphylococcal pharyngitis (strep throat)?

Strep throat is a highly contagious and painful bacterial infection that affects the tonsils and throat. The most common symptoms are sore throat, red and swollen tonsils, fever and enlarged lymph nodes, but abdominal pain and headache can also occur. People with strep throat can be contagious for up to two weeks after becoming ill, but can often return to their normal routine after a few days.

Mononucleosis: what is it?

Mononucleosis is a more common virus in children and adolescents. Fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, swollen tonsils, rash, headache, and swollen spleen are symptoms. This disease can last several weeks, but it is not particularly contagious. Most people have a milder condition with a shorter duration and intensity.

What are rapid tests for influenza, streptococcus, and mononucleosis?

Strep test

A rapid strep test can identify if a patient has strep throat. To obtain a specimen sample, the throat and tonsils are cleaned with a cotton swab. After that, the samples will be tested for mononucleosis virus and streptococcal bacteria.

Influenza rapid diagnostic test

There are many types of rapid flu tests. They are used to determine the presence and type of grade A or B influenza viruses. Samples are usually taken from the nose or mouth.

Mono-exam

Blood samples are taken for mono tests. It can be as simple as a drop of blood taken from your fingertip or as complex as a vein sample.

Why should you take rapid, strep, and mono tests?

Flu

Flu symptoms resemble those of other illnesses, such as the common cold. The patient can receive appropriate treatment when the influenza virus is identified. This increases the chances of the patient recovering faster.

Streptococcus

Although strep throat has some distinctive symptoms, confirming the diagnosis requires testing. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat strep throat. Antibiotics can dramatically shorten the duration of the infection and make it less contagious; in fact, patients are no longer considered infectious 24 hours after receiving the initial dose of the appropriate antibiotic.

Infectious mononucleosis

Mono is a contagious infection that spreads rapidly in groups of children and adolescents. Therefore, it is essential to test people with mono symptoms in order to implement appropriate measures to isolate the infected person and reduce infectivity for others. Your TIB Pharmacy healthcare provider can make appropriate treatment recommendations for mono.

Where to get rapid flu, strep, and mono tests

When you or a family member becomes ill, you want to start the healing process as quickly as possible. Rapid flu, strep, and mono tests are available at a FastMed clinic. You will be seen immediately by qualified medical professionals at our medical clinic. You don't have to wait for an appointment with your primary care provider or incur the cost of an emergency room visit. FastMed provides fast, affordable testing and treatment seven days a week, 365 days a year.

How to distinguish a cold from the flu

Although different viruses cause colds and flu, their symptoms are often the same. Cold symptoms will usually be less severe.

Fever, body aches, and common headaches are often associated with cold symptoms.

When should you see a doctor?

In some cases, especially in babies under three months old or those with an underlying condition such as asthma, your child may need medical attention. Each year, Peds on Demand, a pediatric urgent care center, encounters dozens of children with symptoms associated with these diseases. Wheezing, rapid labored breathing, or persistent breathing that results in choking or shortness of breath are indications that something is wrong. Bring your child if you think he has had symptoms for a long time.

Another winter illness to avoid: strep throat

Streptococcus Group A Streptococcus is the bacteria that causes strep throat. This bacterium is extremely common and is responsible for almost a third of all sore throats. It is extremely contagious and is frequently spread at school and other gatherings of teenagers and children. Strep throat, unlike the typical cold, is treated with antibiotics. A simple swab test is usually the first step for a doctor to diagnose strep bacteria. The following symptoms can identify streptococcus:

• Red and white spots on the throat.
• Suggestions of difficulty and discomfort
• Headache
• Some pain in the lower abdomen
• no appetite

Cold vs Strep

Sore throats can be caused by a cold or strep infection, allergies, acid reflux, or environmental factors.

If you think you have a cold or strep throat, knowing the difference between the two is key to receiving the proper treatment if you have strep throat. Colds and strep throat have different causes:

The common cold is caused by a virus that infects the upper respiratory tract. Rhinovirus is the most common. Streptococcus pyogenes is the bacteria responsible for strep throat. Strep throat causes 15-30% of sore throats in children and 5-15% in adults. Strep throat, if left untreated, can progress to rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, or post-streptococcal disease.

It is conceivable to have a cold and strep throat at the same time, as they are both viral infections. See your doctor to determine the underlying causes of your symptoms.