If you have a fever don’t you test positive?

Question

There is like zero doubt in my mind right now that I have strep, the flu, or both. Because I had been caring  for my 2 year old nieces who tested positive for both while with me, and I feel like crap. They came over Wednesday and I got tested yesterday and I tested negative even though I had a fever and symptoms. They told me I more than likely had it but tested too soon so to come back if I get sicker, which I am, so I’m going tomorrow. 
I am really confused by that. 
If You have symptoms and a fever of something I thought you test positive? Like, what? 
And yes they tested for both flu and strep
If I sound stupid, my temperature is 101.2 and I’m on cough meds. Fevers always make me weird. Cough meds don’t help

Answer

You need enough viral load to test positive for whatever you're testing for. Just because symptoms have started, doesn't mean the viral load is high enough yet. That's why it's also possible to have COVID and test negative if you're testing too early for it. It takes a minute to build up the viral load to get a positive.

Answer

I’ve seen a lot of people this flu season who test negative initially and then positive later on, even with fevers. I think it has to do with the strain of flu and possibly the test itself. Strep should be showing up if you had it, though, and of course you’d see the white spots.

Answer

I would wait two days from your last test before testing again.

If you have a fever don’t you test positive?

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