Flu Diagnosis and Treatment

In our country, flu (influenza) causes epidemics in the period between October and April.

The most important feature of the flu virus is that the virus changes. The change also brings problems in the diagnosis and treatment of the virus.

Rapid tests are used in the diagnosis of the flu virus. Just as Influenza A and B tests are performed with samples taken from the nasal swab, it is possible to identify many viruses as well as Influenza virus in samples taken from the pharynx with the PCR method.

• The most effective way to protect against flu is vaccination. Children older than 6 months should be vaccinated every year in the autumn months.

How should the treatment of influenza infection, which can lead to serious clinical manifestations and deaths, be performed?

As soon as influenza is diagnosed. treatment should be started.

• Absolute bed rest

• Ensuring adequate fluid intake

• Fever reducers must be used.

Drugs used in the treatment of flu are defined as antiviral drugs.

For individuals over the age of 13 who come into contact with the patient, 10 times a day. Preventive treatment is given throughout the day. The administration of the drug form in Turkey is restricted for individuals under this age.

In which cases and when should the drugs be administered?

• There is an indication to start the drug in the first 48 hours of the onset of the disease. Cases diagnosed later should not be included in the treatment group.

• Care should be taken when using it, especially in young people aged 16 and under. Neurological and psychiatric complications can be seen in this age group.

• Children given oseltamivir should be carefully monitored if they use neuropsychiatric drugs.

• Antibiotic resistance can reach serious levels. Nowadays, when influenza virus is reached, it is seen that resistance to antiviral agents has occurred.

In today's world where the flu virus is not identified by laboratory analysis, antiviral treatment should not be given with the approach of 'there may be a viral infection' without laboratory diagnosis.

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