From Symptoms to Solutions: Why You Should be Offering Cough, Cold and Flu Testing
Randox Health Pathology Services
Healthcare solutions. Taking care of the diagnostics so you can focus on the patient.
As we approach the winter season, healthcare systems face the perennial challenge of managing the winter flu season. With respiratory infections on the rise, testing becomes a critical tool to control outbreaks and provide timely treatment. Reports indicate that adults are diagnosed with them two to five times per year. However, several key issues can complicate diagnosing the likes of influenza from other respiratory viruses, mainly the similarity in symptom characteristics such as nasal congestion, headaches, coughing, sneezing, and sore throats making it difficult to differentiate viruses based on clinical presentation alone. These illnesses typically last around 7-10 days, with the main symptoms peaking at around day 2-3. Many respiratory viruses can also be asymptomatic initially and later develop into more severe respiratory illnesses, which is often seen in older patients with weakened immune systems.
Although respiratory illnesses are very common, it doesn’t mean they should be overlooked as any less serious. Treatment often occurs at the later stage of the illness when the person has symptoms for a few days.
Importance of Regular Testing for Respiratory Infections
Testing helps identify respiratory infections, such as the flu or other viruses, early. Knowing if your patient has a contagious illness like the flu helps reduce the transmission of the virus to others, especially in shared spaces like workplaces and public transport.
Viral infections like the flu or common cold do not respond to antibiotics. Testing helps avoid unnecessary prescriptions of antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic resistance. By confirming a viral cause, you can focus on supportive treatments rather than unnecessary antibiotics.
By quickly identifying and treating illnesses, testing can shorten the duration of sickness and help people recover faster while reducing absenteeism in a patient's daily routine, such as work.
Testing ensures that people who are at higher risk of severe illness, like those with compromised immune systems, the older population, or individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, receive extra attention to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications like pneumonia.
Cough, Cold and Flu - It's What Randox Health Do!
This year, we're excited to introduce a game-changer for your customers: our NEW Cough Cold & Flu Panel. This isn't just another diagnostic tool; it's an opportunity to redefine how your practice manages respiratory illnesses, delivering an experience that truly sets you apart.
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The Cough, Cold, and Flu panel offers a faster and more accurate option compared to respiratory tract culturing. It can detect both viruses and bacteria that regular cultures might overlook. The panel has a much faster turnaround time and is more sensitive, which enables targeted treatments to be prescribed or reassures patients that their viral infection doesn't need antibiotics, supporting antibiotic stewardship.
To find out more about how we can assist you with testing email: [email protected].
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