If your test is positive for flu
- Higher risk, pregnant, or getting worse: contact a clinician today. CDC recommends antiviral treatment as soon as possible for these groups.[5] Who is higher risk.[7]
- Healthy adult within 2 days of symptoms: an antiviral is an option you can ask about.[5]
- Healthy and past 2 days, improving: rest at home and watch for warning signs.
- A child: call the child's pediatrician.
A home test does not come with a prescription. You still need a clinician, and you do not need a second test first: CDC says testing is not required to prescribe an antiviral.[4]
If your test is positive for COVID-19
COVID-19 has its own antiviral treatments, which need to start within 5 to 7 days of symptoms.[6] Contact a clinician, especially if you are older or have a higher-risk condition.
If your test is negative but you have symptoms
Do not take a negative result as the final word. Rapid antigen flu tests miss many cases: CDC lists sensitivity of about 53% to 54% for antigen tests read by eye.[3] FDA advises that anyone who tests negative and still has fever, cough, or shortness of breath may have flu, COVID-19, or another infection and should follow up.[1]
- Higher risk: call a clinician anyway. Treatment decisions should not wait for a positive test.[5]
- Checking for COVID-19: test again 48 hours later, for at least two tests.[2]
- Everyone: stay home until you meet CDC's return rule, whatever the result.[8] How long flu is contagious.
Test types and their limits
| Test | What it tells you | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Home antigen, flu and COVID-19 combination | Separate results for flu A, flu B, and COVID-19 in about 15 minutes. The first combination test authorized outside emergency use was cleared in 2024.[1] | Lower sensitivity than molecular tests, so false negatives happen.[1] |
| Rapid antigen in a clinic | Flu A and B, often read by a device. | About 76% to 80% sensitive with a reader device.[3] |
| Molecular (PCR-type) | Flu, and often COVID-19 and RSV. | More accurate; usually done in a clinic, pharmacy, or lab.[4] |
A home test result also helps you protect others: if you live with someone at high risk, a positive flu result is a reason to ask about preventive antivirals for them.