Respiratory Virus
About Influenza
Influenza (flu) is a viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads mainly through droplets when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. Adults can be contagious from a day before symptoms start until 5–7 days after, and some people spread it without any symptoms.
Type A viruses change constantly, infect animals as well as people and cause the large epidemics — H1N1 is one of the best-known subtypes. Type B infects only humans and does not cause pandemics. An annual flu vaccine is the best protection.
Symptoms
- Fever or chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches and headache
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children)
Test Options
- INF A/B/H1N1 — detects and differentiates influenza A, B and H1N1