When it comes to detecting and treating influenza, time is of the essence. Rapid Influenza Diagnostics that allow medical professionals to quickly determine if a patient has the flu and, if so, which strain and whether it is resistant to antiviral drugs can ensure that the patient receives the best possible care.
Influenza can be difficult to diagnose because its most visible symptoms (fever, cough, aches) are similar to those of many other common illnesses. There are several methods for healthcare providers to determine if a patient has the flu. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests, which use swabs or samples of secretions taken from a patient's nose or throat, can detect influenza in less than 30 minutes. However, these tests can produce false positive or false negative results, and they may not be reliable.
