MEMPHIS, Tenn. – This is turning out to be one of the worst flu seasons in years, with nearly every state now reporting wide-spread activity.
As a result, the FDA is now giving more doctors access to a test that can quickly, and more accurately, identify the flu.
The CDC is also recommending more people take antivirals to fight it.
Most doctors and clinics use an antigen test to screen patients for the flu, but the test, which looks for the protein code of the virus, is wrong 25-40% of the time.
The FDA is now allowing more doctors offices and hospitals to use a molecular test, once reserved for labs, to detect the genetic material of the flu.
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital already uses a similar test and says it more specific and accurate.
Doctors say the quicker you find out if someone has the flu, you can get them on antivirals and prevent flu related complications.
“The therapy works best if it’s given in the first 48 hours after you start to get symptoms. So, if we can diagnose the flu faster and more accurately that’s really going to help us get patients on drugs they need,” said Dr. Jon McCullers.
Because the flu vaccine has not been effective this season, the CDC is recommending more people take antivirals.
Antivirals are usually given to those in the hospital and recommended for people with underlying health conditions who get the flu.
Dr. McCullers, though, said even healthy people can have rare complications from the flu and benefit from the drugs.
The CDC is hoping to keep more people out of the hospital.
