Why Test
Strep and Flu... Why Test?
“Rest and drink plenty of fluids” — the age-old prescription for common respiratory infections. But definitively diagnosing these infections can be a challenge. “The clinical symptoms of influenza tend to overlap with the symptoms of other respiratory infections in both pediatric and adult patients. This makes the clinical diagnosis of influenza problematic.”*
“A rapid test that enables the early recognition of patients with influenza has many advantages”*:
- Prevent unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, hospitalizations
- and Influenza transmission
- Contribute in the reduction of the economic burden of influenza
- Enable the proper use of antiviral agents
Healthcare professionals do have a choice. Test your patients for Strep A and Influenza, it’s better patient care.
The Bottom Line:
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Respiratory infections have similar symptoms.
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Differential diagnosis leads to proper treatment and reduces healthcare costs.
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Rapid tests provide tremendous value at the point of care.
* Theocharis, George. Vouloumanou, Evridiki et al.“Evaluation of a direct test for seasonal influenza in outpatients”, European Journal of Internal Medicine, Vol.21 (2010) 434-438
**CDC Disease Listing, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/default.htm
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