Flu season isn’t far off, and some public health agencies are already encouraging people to get vaccinated. In future years, people might be able to test themselves for influenza at home to tell if they need antiviral medication.
Drugs such as Tamiflu or Relenza work best if taken sooner rather than later. But doctors are reluctant to prescribe antivirals without proof of infection. Doctors can do flu tests in their offices now, though they are imperfectly accurate and a confirmation test takes several days. In addition, traveling to a medical clinic if you have the flu exposes everyone you meet to your bugs, while if you don’t have the flu you get exposed to other people’s germs. The researchers envision an easy-to-read color-change test similar to a home pregnancy kit.
Last winter, we discussed the evidence on the pros and cons of flu shots with Tom Jefferson, MD, of the Cochrane Collaboration. We also offer more information on preventing and treating influenza in our Guide to Colds, Coughs & the Flu.
