Flu season is quickly approaching across the United States. According to health officials, 20 states and New York City are experiencing widespread or very high activity of flu-like illness, with nine states experiencing high activity. More recently, a new variant known as subclade K has been responsible for the rapid increase in cases. Healthcare professionals and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are acting to avert this urgent crisis. Like every other year, this flu season came earlier and more ferociously than the year before. Thanks to their ease and convenience, more and more consumers are turning to at-home flu tests for fast, accurate diagnoses.
For one, the CDC has gotten tens of thousands of samples in to test, a sign of how widespread this year’s flu outbreak is. Health authorities have been urging early detection of the disease to help manage symptoms and relieve pressure on hospitals. Pharmacists in a number of states now have authority to test and treat flu cases. This provides a more accessible, user-friendly alternative to in-person medical appointments.
Understanding the Current Flu Landscape
Dr. Darien Sutton, a prominent health expert, noted, “The flu season this year is earlier and stronger than last year.” This disturbing trend is cause for great concern, especially considering that the majority of these cases are associated with the Flu A variant. The combination of high prevalence rates with growing hospitalizations may soon inundate healthcare systems if these trends continue.
Dr. Sutton went on to say that an early, severe flu season is always worrisome. It has an outsized effect on public health. Not because the flu changes from individual to individual, but rather due to the fact that a greater number of people are ill for a longer duration of time. That, of course, can overwhelm the healthcare system.
Rapid testing options have recently come on the scene. People are empowered to take informed health actions to detect disease and get the treatment they need earlier, thus improving outcomes. When influenza prevalence is high in the community, false-negative results are more likely, emphasizing the need for timely testing.
Advantages of At-Home Flu Tests
At-home flu tests have come into popularity due to their convenience and 5-10 minute result times. Nearly all of these tests yield results within 15 to 20 minutes. This speedy turnaround time makes them a convenient option for anyone seeking instant information about their symptoms.
These types of tests generally require the collection of a sample from the anterior nares (nostril) via nasal swab. The tester moves the swab around the inside of the nostril several times before placing it into a solution. Second, apply several drops of this solution onto the test kit. It will then indicate if there is a positive or negative test result for influenza.
“These tests can be really helpful. It’s a nasal swab. We’ve all learned that well throughout the height of the pandemic.” Several at-home kits now let you test for COVID-19 in addition to Influenza A and B. Combined with their dual-threat capabilities, this ability makes them a huge asset through this Salty Season.
The Role of Pharmacists in Flu Care
Pharmacists will continue to be a key partner in combating this year’s challenging flu season. Forty-eight states currently authorize pharmacists to test for and treat influenza. This collaborative initiative provides tremendous support to alleviate some of the strain experienced by our healthcare partners. This same positive test result in the hands of a pharmacist saves patients both time and money. It can reduce needless ER trips for them.
Surging healthcare professionals into this challenging flu season, the partnership between pharmacists and their patients has never been more important. Timely access to testing and treatment is crucial not only for individual health outcomes but for the overall wellness of our communities.
