It is important to understand that a screening test is essentially the first step down the diagnostics pathway. The diagnostic test is the final step, after all other factors have been considered, such as pulse, temperature and other vital signs.
The main purpose of a screening test for influenza is to rule out infection by that particular virus. How often have you heard someone say “I think I’ve got a touch of flu”? More often than not it is usually another viral infection, probably Respiratory Syncitial Virus, ( RSV) – in other words, a common cold. Or it could be a bacterial infection, usually Streptococcus A – a “Strep throat”.
By being able to quickly and simply differentiate between infection caused either by the Influenza A or B virus and a common cold or Strep throat can help doctors decide on the appropriate course of treatment. And more often than not, give the patient peace of mind.
Seasonal flu comes around every year during the winter months. However, once in a while the virus can present itself in a different form which has major implications for public health. In 1918 a new strain of virus, called “Spanish Flu” was responsible for between 50-100 million deaths worldwide. This pandemic has been described as "the greatest medical holocaust in history" and may have killed more people than the Black Death. More recently, the “Asian Flu” pandemic in 1957 and the “Hong Kong Flu” pandemic in 1968 were both relatively minor, Asian Flu causing around 4 million deaths.
On June 11th 2009 the World Health Organisation declared that a new strain of H1N1 Influenza was pandemic. As at October 11th 2009 WHO figures confirm that the “first wave” of the H1N1 pandemic had been confirmed in 74 countries, with 400,000 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 4,735 deaths.
The Department of Health in London confirmed last week that the expected “second wave” had indeed arrived, with infection rates doubling every fortnight.
Screening at the first onset of symptoms will produce the best outcomes. In the case of a positive indication of Influenza A (or B), the doctor can prescribe antiviral medication such as Tamiflu or Relenza – these drugs are most effective when started within 48 hours of onset of symptoms. Patients can be “quarantined” to try and minimise cross-infection to parents, children, friends and workmates, kept warm and rested in bed with standard paracetamol-based products to reduce their temperature and help relieve symptoms.
In the case of a negative indication of Influenza – relax a little. The common cold is certainly unpleasant, but bed-rest and paracetamol usually suffice – no need to take anti-viral medication, which can have distressing side-effects. And for a Strep throat, it can be treated with antibiotics.
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