Influenza is an ailment of the respiratory system. The infection spreads quickly through dew drops present in the air. Influenza causes cough and sneezing among the affected people and occurs mainly during the winter and fall season. The symptoms of influenza flare up suddenly and may last for a few days. While in children with a weakened immunity, the flu can cause very serious illness, and can also be fatal. At Healthy Kidz Pediatrics in Mesa, Arizona, we diagnose the flu by performing rapid influenza antigen tests and begin the treatment based on the results.
Rapid laboratory screening tests can help identify the presence of influenza A and B viral antigens in the respiratory tract. This flu test will help confirm your child’s influenza diagnosis so that the illness can be treated promptly. Quick treatment may help ease the symptoms of the flu. Rapid influenza antigen tests can provide results in about thirty minutes.
Rapid influenza antigen tests can help determine if your child has the flu. They are also sometimes used to:
A flu test may be needed when your child is suffering from the following symptoms:
Dr. Manuel Galvez will take a sample of mucus or other secretions from your child’s nose or throat during a rapid flu test. Sterile gauze is used to collect the sample. In another method, a nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) is used to collect the sample by injecting a saline solution into the nose.
To learn more about our rapid laboratory screening tests, visit Healthy Kidz Pediatrics clinic at 215 S Power Rd #106, Mesa, AZ 85206. You can also reach us at (480) 214-0051 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Manuel Galvez.
