02-23-2021, 04:15 AM
markmedic wrote:
You received some bad information up there from sekker.
The reported rate of false negatives is 20%. However, the range of false negatives is from 0% to 30%, depending on the study and when in the course of infection the test is performed. Most of the flu's are in such a low state and with masks that it is not likely to be flu. If you are truly isolating and masking the most likely culprit if it is a virus is Covid-19. You should quarantine for 14 days from onset of symptoms to prevent giving it to other people. If you got a chest x-ray at some point you could pinpoint it to a corona most likely or a pneumonia.
The rest of the advice is good. Good luck and feel better.
On the contrary, the PCR tests used in most places are set to error up to 1000 x higher sensitivity than needed to identify someone who has the virus and is likely infectious. The false error rates in most places are due to sampling issues or improper handling of the sample post collection.
I think you were thinking of the rapid test, where the false negative rates can be at the numbers you list. That’s the system used in the White House.