Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Eastern Health

Influenza Testing

Who to test

During high seasonal influenza activity, test:
1. Symptomatic patients with chronic medical conditions or immunocompromise
2. Symptomatic patients in which results may reduce unnecessary antibiotic treatment
3. Symptomatic patients on admission to hospital

During low seasonal influenza activity, test:
1. Symptomatic patients with chronic medical conditions or immunocompromise
2. Symptomatic patients on admission to hospital, with epidemiological link to influenza

How to test

Collect nasopharyngeal swab, or endotracheal aspirate/ bronchoalveolar lavage if intubated

Order respiratory virus multiplex PCR.

Available 7 days per week at Public Health Microbiology Laboratory.