How is H1N1 diagnosed and how long does it take to get results?

H1N1, also known as swine flu, is a respiratory illness caused by a type of influenza virus. Here's how H1N1 is diagnosed and the timeline for getting results:

Diagnosis:

1. Symptoms: healthcare professionals consider a person's symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.

2. Medical History: The person's medical history and recent travel history are taken into account to assess the likelihood of H1N1 infection.

3. Testing:

a. Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs): These tests can detect influenza A and influenza B viruses, including H1N1. RIDTs provide quick results within 15-30 minutes. However, they may not be as sensitive as molecular tests, and false-negative results can occur.

b. Molecular Tests: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests are highly sensitive and specific for detecting the genetic material of influenza viruses, including H1N1. Molecular tests typically require sending samples to a laboratory, and results can take several hours to a few days to obtain.

Time to Get Results:

1. Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs): Results for RIDTs are usually available within 15-30 minutes.

2. Molecular Tests: The time to obtain results for molecular tests can vary depending on several factors, such as the laboratory's workload and the availability of testing resources. Typically, results can be ready in a few hours to a couple of days.

It's important for healthcare providers to consider the patient's symptoms and overall clinical picture along with the test results when making a diagnosis and determining appropriate treatment. Public health agencies and healthcare institutions may also use surveillance data and laboratory testing to monitor and track the circulation of influenza viruses, including H1N1.