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What are the tests recommended to diagnose the bacteria causing a flu?
My husband seems to be sick with a flu. What are the tests recommended to diagnose the cause of the flu so that we can get him on the right antibiotic?
4 Answers
Ms. Hanh Cline
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OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist) | Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
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Redding, CA
Throat swab and cbc!
Hi typically the flu is diagnosed with a nasal swab. If positive the patient is usually treated with tamiflu and rarely an antibiotic
A rapid flu swab detects flu virus. Flu is not bacterial, therefore will not respond to antibiotics. Antivirals, such as Tamiflu, are used to treat flu in the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
Yes there is a rapid nose swab or a thorough respiratory panel nasal swab.