Swine Flu and Seasonal Influenza Virus Testing
Rapid Flu Test and Other H1N1 Virus Influenza Tests
Nov 12, 2009
Many people will become ill with some form of the influenza virus in the near future. Although testing is not required to begin treatment for the seasonal flu or swine flu, it can prove helpful in certain situations. The following tests can help determine influenza in people who are exhibiting symptoms of the flu.
Rapid Influenza Test
The rapid flu influenza diagnostic test is the most common test used to determine the presence of influenza in a person with flu-like symptoms. This test can provide results in as little as 30 minutes by swabbing the inside of the nose or mouth, but unfortunately is not always accurate every time it is performed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC), the rapid influenza test is not capable of distinguishing between the different types of influenza, and many times may give a false negative. In determining the swine flu, the effectiveness of this test only ranges between 10% and 70%, therefore many ill people will not register properly with this type of test.
Viral Culture Tests
Other, more accurate tests exist in determining cases of influenza, including the viral culture test, according to the CDC. This test takes many days to receive the results, therefore it is not normally used as a diagnostic tool for treatment, due to the fact that treatment should begin with 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Who is Being Tested for Influenza
The majority of people who are ill with flu-like symptoms will not be tested for influenza; rather, the tests are used mainly for those who are hospitalized with flu-like symptoms and for those who fall into higher risk categories, such as people with suppressed immune systems and pregnant women. Although these groups may be tested, treatment is not necessarily delayed pending results. The tests are performed in case of future complications that may arise.
Treating Seasonal and Swine Flu
Most people, according to the CDC, will not need medical treatment for the flu and should be able to recover completely. When symptoms are gone, and at least 24 hours after the flu-related fever has dissipated, an infected person can return to normal activities. For those who require treatment, antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza are available by a prescription, and should be taken within 48 hours after symptoms appear, otherwise the treatment will be ineffective.
Readers may also enjoy: H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Side Effects and Safety
Sources:
The Centers for Disease Control
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