Health Department: Testing For H1N1 Influenza Unnecessary

Alabama Swine Flu According to the Alabama Health Department testing for swine flu is unnecessary in most cases..

by Mobile County Health Dept.

Published: Thu, August 20, 2009 - 3:08 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, August 20, 2009 - 3:11 pm CST

Testing for H1N1 influenza unnecessary in most cases

An Aug. 19 update on novel H1N1 influenza (swine flu) issued by Dr. Don Williamson, State Health Officer, included the following information:

Novel H1N1 is widely prevalent in Alabama. Over the last four weeks, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) laboratory confirmed 652 cases of influenza, all of which were novel H1N1. Patients with flu-like symptoms most likely have H1N1 disease, and clinicians are justified in making this diagnosis based solely on presentation.

Rapid influenza diagnostic tests positive for A or A/B are highly predictive of novel H1N1. H1N1 is less likely if the rapid test is positive for B. Negative rapid tests do not rule out H1N1. Several commercial laboratories offer H1N1 PCR testing, but routine confirmatory testing is not necessary and treatment decisions should not be delayed pending off-site test results. Because of the widespread prevalence of the disease and finite capacity of the ADPH laboratory, ADPH must restrict testing to hospitalized patients, pregnant women, and a fixed number of patients seen weekly by a statewide network of designated practices. This approach will allow ADPH to confirm the diagnosis in severely ill persons and pregnant women and identify circulating influenza subtypes.

Although there have been a few case reports of resistance to Tamiflu, H1N1 is sensitive to both it and Relenza. H1N1 is resistant to adamantine and Flumadine. For maximum benefit, antiviral treatment should begin as close to the onset of illness as possible. Many persons with mild symptoms and no underlying risk factors for severe illness recover from H1N1 illness without taking antivirals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says persons with influenza-like illness should remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F), or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications. This is often three to five days. This recommendation applies to schools, businesses, mass gatherings, camps, and other community settings where the majority of people are not at increased risk for influenza complications. Because viral excretion can persist after cessation of fever, convalescent healthcare workers should remain at home for seven days from symptom onset or until the resolution of symptoms, whichever is longer.

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Note: Because recommendations may change, check CDC's and ADPH's Web sites (www.cdc.gov and www.adph.org) frequently.

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ickthus Says:

Mon, Sep 28, 2009 at 4:26 pm

lol it is the flu, you don’t know what the flu looks like? I got it when it first hit in the spring. Don’t have a cow lady, have a ham samage and some chicken soup. It works well with rest. So give it a rest.

mismamac Says:

Mon, Sep 28, 2009 at 4:15 pm

It’s going around in our school but I didn’t know that 3 of my child’s classmates had H1N1 until it was too late! Now my child is positive for the Swine Flu. While her symptoms have been very mild I too am quite upset that the school or her teacher for that matter did NOT send out notification to parents. I think we should be notified so that we may look for possible symptoms and seek treatment as necessary. Because I did not know that H1N1 was present in our school I just assumed my child had a cold and waited past the 48 hour mark when an antiviral might have shortened the duration!!
I find it irresponsible on the part of my daughter’s school - maybe I wouldn’t have prevented my child from contracting this flu but I could have been better prepared - I’m pregnant & I certainly do not want the flu - mild or not! I agree 100% with all that SSZGORGIRL said.

SSZGORGIRL Says:

Fri, Aug 21, 2009 at 8:04 pm

I know that the schools in the south part of the county are full of it. FULL!!! I have 2 children with it and have it now myself. It isn’t that bad and in fact my children have been sicker with common viruses. I was very worried and concerned when I realized my children had it. They are now in the 4th day and seem to be doin alot better. I do wish however that parents would have been notified that it was in our school. I spoke with a parent today that sent there child to school even though they didn’t feel good. They had no fever or symptoms just feeling tired and achy. Later in the day the child was sent home with fever. She would not have sent them to school if she suspected they were sick BUT…didn’t know it was a possibility because she hadn’t spoke to anyone and no one had contacted her and let her know it was at the school. So…They went to school and spred the virus unknowingly but none the less they spread it!! Later today they tested positive after I suggested she get them tested. The schools should tell the parents if it’s in their school so when their child gets it they know it’s not a common bug and keeps their child home. Because all of the children don’t wake up with the fever just achy and tired. I mean you can’t keep them home unless you know it’s a possibility!!

Smed Says:

Fri, Aug 21, 2009 at 4:23 pm

Are the schools really full of the H1N1 virus?