H1N1 testing not recommended by health officials

Health care providers are advised to manage and monitor symptoms rather than rely on a test that may not be accurate.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals continues to see an increase of influenza-like illnesses across its three hospitals and multiple physician practices. After receiving guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Southcoast Hospitals is not recommending a rapid flu test if H1N1 (Swine) flu is suspected.

"Rapid testing for influenza is not recommended for screening of H1N1 at this time," said E.J. McMahon, MD, MBA, FCAP, Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group.

"Rapid tests can have low sensitivity for H1N1 flu," Dr. McMahon said. "These tests should not be used to rule out the presence of H1N1. If a rapid test is positive for influenza A, the patient can be presumed to have H1N1. In a number of cases, if a rapid test is negative, the patient may still have H1N1. Health care providers are advised to manage and monitor symptoms rather than rely on a test that may not be accurate."

According to Massachusetts DPH: "Decisions regarding treatment, selection of antiviral agents and isolation should be based on clinical factors, and should not be contingent on laboratory confirmation."

Southcoast's policy states that if there are compelling clinical or public health concerns, rapid testing will be used. This decision will be made by the individual health care providers.

On the public health level, early testing for purposes of surveillance provides a useful picture of how the virus is spreading. On the hospital and community level, whether it is H1N1 (Swine) flu or seasonal flu, the treatment would be the same.

"H1N1 flu is treated the same as seasonal flu — there is no benefit in knowing whether it is H1N1 flu or not," Dr. McMahon said. "What patients do need to know is that this virus can be very serious, so it is important to monitor you or your child's symptoms, practice good hygiene and hand washing. Also note that special populations, such as, pregnant women, people ages 6 months to 24 years old, all people with chronic illness, asthma or diabetes, should receive the vaccine when it is available."

Dr. McMahon also explained that the seasonal flu is not currently circulating in our region. If a person has flu-like symptoms, it is most likely H1N1 (Swine) flu, he said.

For more information on flu prevention and facts visit www.southcoast.org/flu/. You can also receive weekly tips from Southcoast and Dr. McMahon in a weekly video podcast available on Southcoast's flu Website or through iTunes.