Rapid Influenza Testing in Infants and Children Younger than 6 Years in Primary Care: Impact on Antibiotic Treatment and Use of Health Services

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2019 Aug;38(8):e187-e189. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000002287.

Abstract

Influenza is often misdiagnosed in children because of the low sensitivity of clinical diagnosis because of nonspecific signs and symptoms. This can be overcome by using digital immunoassays or rapid molecular diagnostic tests with adequate sensitivity and specificity. When using these tests at the patient care site, antibiotic consumption and number of healthcare consultations were reduced.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Influenza A virus* / drug effects
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis*
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents