What To Do About The Flu

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 to 20 percent of the population will get the flu and up to 200,000 people will be hospitalized. Worse, every year, approximately 36,000 people in the U.S. die from influenza. Influenza can also lead to secondary complications including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections and worsening of chronic health conditions.

Influenza is a contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory tract and has a variety of symptoms, including muscle aches, fever, headache and sore throat.

Because the flu can be difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone, it is critical that you get tested so that appropriate treatment can begin as soon as possible.

One test that has gained widespread popularity among physicians is the QuickVue® Influenza test, a fast and painless test that can check for the presence of the influenza virus. The test is simple and can provide results in 10 minutes or less.

Using a rapid diagnostic test like the QuickVue test can prevent unnecessary testing and treatment. Thus sparing you and your child from additional tests, which can sometimes be difficult.

For more information, visit www.flutest.com or ask your physician about flu testing. A rapid diagnostic test for influenza can help physicians identify flu accurately.

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