Ampath Diagnostic Guide | Pathology solutions are in our DNA
⚠️ Important Note on Testing
- Rapid Influenza A/B tests are less sensitive than PCR tests
- A negative rapid test result does NOT rule out influenza
- Antiviral treatment (especially for high-risk patients) should not be delayed based on negative rapid test results
🧍♂️ Who Is at Higher Risk for Severe Influenza?
The following groups are more likely to experience serious illness:
- Pregnant women (up to 6 weeks post-partum)
- Persons living with HIV
- Individuals with tuberculosis
- Anyone with chronic diseases, including:
- Cardiac disease
- Pulmonary disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Immunosuppressive treatment
- Adults over 65 years
- Children under 18 who receive chronic aspirin therapy
- Morbidly obese individuals (BMI > 40)
- Young children, especially under 2 years of age
💊 Treatment Recommendation
- High-risk individuals should receive oseltamivir (Tamiflu) treatment
- Treatment should start as early as possible, ideally within 48 hours of symptoms starting
- Do NOT wait for lab results to begin treatment if symptoms are present
🤧 Symptoms of Influenza
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
Influenza can worsen chronic illnesses or lead to pneumonia
🛑 How to Prevent the Spread
If you have influenza-like symptoms:
- Stay at home until symptoms resolve (at least 24 hours after fever subsides)
- Avoid close contact with others
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Wear a tight-fitting mask in public
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub
- Wipe down frequently touched surfaces
🧪 Testing Options for Influenza
✅ Rapid Influenza A&B Antigen Test
- Detects viral proteins
- Fast but less sensitive
✅ Influenza A&B / COVID-19 / RSV PCR Test
- Detects genetic material of viruses
- More accurate and sensitive
🔍 More Information:
Visit the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD):
🌐 www.nicd.ac.za