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There are FLU tests

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Posted 1/1/2013 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Just want to let people know that there are tests for the flu virus.
This is important to us because so many times my daughter has been put on antibiotics for sinus infections or coughs and fever assumed to be bacterial infections, I asked the dr this time, if there is any test for the flu, he said yes, and performed the test on her , it was immediately positive.FYI she did have a flu shot in September, but he said that he is seeing many people that had the shot coming in with flu symptoms and testing positive. She responded rapidly to tamiflu.

The test is not always accurate and probably won't be covered by insurance, but we avoided needless antibiotics and cut the severity of the flu, important to do when imnunsuppressed.
Thanks
Posted 1/1/2013 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting...depends, however, on what strain of flu one gets. It might not be one of the 3 that are in the shots. But, I think that the shot might help us to the point of severity.

Is there a time limit on giving the Tamiflu? I hear it's within a certain period, otherwise it won't help.

Good to hear your daughter is doing much better. Having the flu is horrible...

if one has infection...sinus or chest...best to do a course of antibiotics if it's lingering.

q
Posted 1/1/2013 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
very good PSA rey. I had the same experience (came down with the flu despite having the shot) and luckily my GP knew about the rapid flu test so I was able to get a course of Tamiflu instead of taking unnecessary antibiotics.
Posted 1/1/2013 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Yes Quincy I think it works best within the first 48 hrs and there are definitely times when an antibiotic is needed, but so many times I wonder and glad I asked this time about a flu test, every round of antibiotics causes her a round of irritating affects. And her sinuses have always been a source of infection. Her uc began within a month of her sinus surgery, she had infection after infection and the drs said it had to be done. I'll always wonder if she got a bug in surgery, or was it the antibiotics and steroids she had to take after the surgery......Or a million other maybes

And yes the rapid test only tests for a,b, and I think h1n1, but I'm not sure.
Posted 1/2/2013 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
thanks for the info, rey,

Regarding her catching a bug in surgery, it could have been hand to mouth by just being in the hospital. But, hard to say if that would have specifically caused her UC, however....she did have continual infections previously, that could propel autoimmune into action, no matter where in the body it is. You're right...sometimes there's no right answer, just a series of issues that snowball until something tips in another's favour.

Has she been able to clear them up between infections?

I've never asked my doc about testing or the tamiflu. Hope I remember when I see her in March. However, I always seem to catch something in February or so that has me sick with sinus or chest or both..not necessarily infection, but if it does..I always call the doc and beg for antibiotics.

Hope your daughter heals quickly and that her UC doesn't give her any grief for a long while.

q

Posted 1/2/2013 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rey,
You are correct. I was at my new GI last week for my first appointment. I had flu like symptoms and he insisted on two flu tests...nasal cultures and throat cultures. One is rapid and one is overnight. They were both negative. He would have prescribed Tamiflu because of my UC. Tamiflu is really only indicated for people with compromised immune systems. It should not be prescribed for an otherwise "healthy" person. Also, Tamiflu is MOST effective within 24 hours, but I think can be given up to 48 hours of symptoms, so it's important to get tested right away.(My son is diabetic and he took it within 12 hours of flu symptoms/diagnosis and it greatly reduced the severity and length of his illness..he only missed 2 days of school whereas my other "healthy" son was not given Tamiflu and he missed a full week of school). And yes, they both had flu shot,s which are not always completely effective. Good luck and thanks for the post...good info to get out there. ~Cita
Posted 1/3/2013 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for posting this info, Rey! I'm among the many IBDers who probably was set off by too many antibiotics in young adulthood for tonsilitis-- similar to recurrent sinus infection victims. I hope that 2013 will be a healthy year for your daughter. / Old Hat (32 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
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