Know What to do About the Flu: Who Needs a Flu Test?

The H1N1 flu virus that is spreading is new and different enough from the regular, seasonal flu viruses so that many people, especially younger people, do not have much resistance.

This is the reason why so many people got sick from H1N1 flu in the spring and fall of 2009 and we expect to continue seeing many more people, especially children, come down with the flu this winter and spring.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue and sometimes with H1N1 flu, diarrhea and vomiting. If you get these symptoms you may be wondering, "Is there a test that can tell me if I have the flu instead of some other illness?" and, "Do I need to be tested for H1N1 flu?"

Who should be tested for H1N1 flu?

Most people who have flu symptoms will not be tested, and do not need to be tested. Your treatment will be based on severity of symptoms and how likely you are to have complications of flu – not on the basis of a test result. As part of a statewide system to track the spread of H1N1 flu, some people may be tested for H1N1 flu.

Flu tests are available, but most people won't need them

Flu tests differ in their ability to detect the flu virus, how quickly results are available and their ability to tell apart the different kinds of flu viruses.

  • Rapid tests performed in a doctor's office may tell if you have the flu, and some rapid tests can tell if it is an influenza "A" strain or "B" strain. But rapid tests cannot determine the specific strain of flu, called a "sub-type." One major drawback of rapid tests is that the results can be negative even if you have the flu.
  • A specific laboratory test is needed to tell the difference between H1N1 flu and regular, seasonal flu. Currently, only a few laboratories can test for the new H1N1 flu. These tests can take several days to provide results.
  • Most people with flu symptoms do not need a test for H1N1 flu because the test results usually do not change how you are treated.

To reduce your chance of getting or spreading the flu

First and foremost, get vaccinated!

As of December 10, 2009, H1N1 vaccine is now available to everyone and anyone over the age of six months can and should get the vaccine.

Get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as you can and the seasonal vaccine if it is available to you.

It is particularly important for people most vulnerable to H1N1 flu to get vaccinated. This includes pregnant women, people who live with or care for children under 6 months of age, health care workers, emergency medical responders, persons ages 6 months-24 years, and people 25-64 years old who have chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. Because seasonal flu may be around at the same time as H1N1 flu, you should also get the seasonal flu vaccine if it is available to you. After getting vaccinated, you will be less likely to spread the flu. And take these everyday precautions:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use your sleeve – not your hands. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after a cough or sneeze. Hand sanitizers are also good to use if you are not near a sink.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Stay at least six feet away from someone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why get vaccinated now; isn't flu activity declining?

Typically, the most flu activity in New York State occurs from January through March and the flu season runs until May. Getting vaccinated now with both seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 flu vaccine will provide protection for you against flu for the rest of the season this winter and spring.

For more information, go to www.nyhealth.gov or www.flu.gov.