Rapid Testing for Common Childhood Illnesses

Caring Pediatric Experts Delivering Trusted, High-Quality Rapid Diagnosis On-Site

When your child is sick, getting a quick and accurate diagnosis is the first step toward recovery. Rapid diagnostic tests for common childhood illnesses like Influenza (Flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Strep throat are essential tools in modern pediatric care. At Fairway Children's Medical Group, we prioritize your child's health with accessible and reliable rapid testing services.

Rapid tests (Flu, RSV, Strep) at Fairway Children's Medical Group

These tests, often using a simple nasal or throat swab, allow your healthcare provider to identify the specific pathogen (virus or bacteria) causing your child's symptoms within minutes. This rapid turnaround time is critical because:

- Faster Treatment: Knowing the cause allows for the prompt initiation of the correct treatment, such as antiviral medications for the Flu or antibiotics for Strep throat, which are most effective when started early.

- Avoids Unnecessary Antibiotics: Flu and RSV are viruses, and Strep is a bacterium. Rapid testing helps differentiate them, ensuring that antibiotics—which are only effective against bacteria—are not unnecessarily prescribed for a viral infection.

- Limits Spread: A quick diagnosis helps you take immediate steps to isolate your child, reducing the spread of the illness to family, friends, and the community.

Rapid tests (Flu, RSV, Strep) Q&A

What is the difference between Flu, RSV, and Strep, and why do they all need testing?

Flu and RSV are viruses that cause respiratory illness, often with overlapping symptoms like fever, cough, and congestion. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that typically causes a sore throat, fever, and sometimes a rash. They all need specific testing because:

👉 Treatment is different: The Flu may be treated with antivirals, Strep is treated with antibiotics, and RSV treatment is usually supportive (managing symptoms).

👉 Complications vary: Untreated Strep can lead to serious complications like rheumatic fever, while Flu and RSV can cause severe respiratory issues in young children. A rapid test guides the proper medical response for each specific illness.

How are the samples collected for these rapid tests, and what age groups are typically tested? Is it painful for my child?

Rapid tests are primarily focused on symptomatic patients, and there are no strict age cutoffs, but here are the general guidelines:

👉 Age Groups: Rapid Flu and RSV testing may be done on patients of any age, but often prioritize infants, young children, and those with underlying health risks. Rapid Strep testing is most common in children age 3 and older, as Strep throat is rare in children under 3.

👉 Sample Collection: Collection is quick and generally well-tolerated, though it may cause a brief tickling sensation.

- Flu and RSV: A gentle nasal swab is used.

- Strep Throat: A throat swab is used to rub the tonsils.

The entire collection process takes only a few seconds, and the results are typically available in about 10–15 minutes.

If a rapid test for Flu, RSV, or Strep is negative, is my child definitely not sick with one of those?

Not always. While rapid tests have very high specificity (meaning a positive result is almost certainly correct), they have varying sensitivity. This means a false-negative result is possible, especially if the sample has low levels of the virus or bacteria, or if the test is done very early or very late in the illness. If your child's rapid test is negative but your pediatrician still has a strong clinical suspicion, they may recommend further confirmation with a more sensitive test (like a molecular PCR test) or treat your child based on their symptoms. We are committed to providing the most accurate and timely diagnostics possible to guide your child's care.

Fairway Children's Medical Group offers fast, on-site rapid testing for Flu, RSV, and Strep, ensuring that your child receives an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment plan as quickly as possible.