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CDC leaves the decision on whether to test up to the community and physician
The CDC's current novel H1N1 testing recommendation is broad, simply saying:
"Clinicians should test persons for the novel influenza (H1N1) virus if they have an acute febrile respiratory illness or sepsis-like syndrome."
If that simple sentence were followed, there would be much more testing than takes place during a normal, seasonal flu season. And that is what the data are being compared to, seasonal flu data gathered and processed through the same system, for an apples to apples comparison.
However, the CDC recognizes that the final decision is up to the physician based on guidance from the local health authorities. (Just like a normal flu season.) That makes sense since it is medical decision.
The CDC's current novel H1N1 testing recommendation is broad, simply saying:
"Clinicians should test persons for the novel influenza (H1N1) virus if they have an acute febrile respiratory illness or sepsis-like syndrome."
If that simple sentence were followed, there would be much more testing than takes place during a normal, seasonal flu season. And that is what the data are being compared to, seasonal flu data gathered and processed through the same system, for an apples to apples comparison.
However, the CDC recognizes that the final decision is up to the physician based on guidance from the local health authorities. (Just like a normal flu season.) That makes sense since it is medical decision.
Which patients should be tested for novel influenza A (H1N1) virus?
Clinicians should test persons for the novel influenza (H1N1) virus if they have an acute febrile respiratory illness or sepsis-like syndrome. Certain groups may have atypical presentations including infants, elderly and persons with compromised immune systems. Priority for testing includes persons who 1) require hospitalization or 2) are at high-risk for severe disease (as listed above). To test for novel H1N1 influenza virus, upper respiratory specimens, such as a nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate, nasal swab plus a throat swab or nasal wash, or tracheal aspirate should be collected. Persons who perform nasal and tracheal aspirate collections on ill persons require appropriate personal protective equipment. Specimens should be sent to the state public health laboratory. Not all people with suspected novel influenza (H1N1) infection need to have the diagnosis confirmed, especially if the person resides in an affected area or if the illness is mild. Recommendations on who to test may differ by state or community. Clinicians should be aware of local guidance on testing and should use their clinical judgment in addition to this guidance for deciding when to test for novel influenza A (H1N1).
Clinicians should test persons for the novel influenza (H1N1) virus if they have an acute febrile respiratory illness or sepsis-like syndrome. Certain groups may have atypical presentations including infants, elderly and persons with compromised immune systems. Priority for testing includes persons who 1) require hospitalization or 2) are at high-risk for severe disease (as listed above). To test for novel H1N1 influenza virus, upper respiratory specimens, such as a nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate, nasal swab plus a throat swab or nasal wash, or tracheal aspirate should be collected. Persons who perform nasal and tracheal aspirate collections on ill persons require appropriate personal protective equipment. Specimens should be sent to the state public health laboratory. Not all people with suspected novel influenza (H1N1) infection need to have the diagnosis confirmed, especially if the person resides in an affected area or if the illness is mild. Recommendations on who to test may differ by state or community. Clinicians should be aware of local guidance on testing and should use their clinical judgment in addition to this guidance for deciding when to test for novel influenza A (H1N1).
as were many of the children at the day care center of his grandchildren, but NONE were reported. Even though there were six family members with symptoms, he couldn't say for certain that any were confrmed because only one was tested and was influenza A positive (although it is virtually certain that all are H1N1 positive).
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