The Life-Changing Technology That Can Help You and Your Family Get Through Flu Season
Get Through Flu Season
As another flu season rapidly approaches, the need for fast, accurate flu testing is more important than ever.
The flu, or influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, and is sometimes mistaken for the common cold, making it difficult for people to receive the treatment they need. With rapid flu testing at the point of care, people can be diagnosed and treated for the flu within minutes, right at their doctor’s office or nearby walk-in clinic.
The flu spreads easily and can pose serious risks for certain groups, including some of our most vulnerable populations – children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with chronic disease or weak immune systems. According to the CDC, in the U.S. there are an estimated 9.3 to 49 million flu cases each year. The flu and its complications cause as many as 960,000 hospitalizations every year, and according to recent data from the CDC, nearly 80,000 people died from the flu last year.
It’s important to get tested by a doctor if you think you have the flu. Antiviral medications that attack the flu virus work best when administered early – within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms – and speed your path to recovery. And knowing now means you can take precautions from spreading the flu to others if you are infected.
Medical experts say it’s never too early or late to begin preparing for the flu season, especially given the last flu season was so brutal. Since flu season is incredibly unpredictable, making sure you and your family are prepared is for everyone’s benefit, not just your own.
Dr. Douglas L. Ambler, internal medicine physician at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and medical director of quality for Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group, alongside Norman Moore, PhD., Director of Scientific Affairs of Infectious Disease with Abbott Rapid Diagnostics joined me to discuss the importance of flu testing and how best to detect and treat the flu this upcoming season.
About Our Guests:
Douglas L. Ambler, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician, is the medical director of quality for the Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group. A graduate of the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Dr. Ambler completed his residency at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. He practices internal medicine, with a focus on preventive medicine and chronic disease management, in Wheaton, Ill. and is on the medical staff at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Ill.
Dr. Moore received his Bachelor’s degree in biology and philosophy from Dartmouth College and his PhD in microbiology from the University of New Hampshire. Among other assays, he developed the first ever rapid tests for Legionella and S. pneumoniae, both of which are now recommended by the Infectious Disease Society of America. After being an R&D director for many years, he took the role of Director of Scientific Affairs where he works with the medical community. He has served on multiple NIAID grant committees, the CDC guideline group for rapid influenza testing, the College of American Pathology’s and Clinical Laboratory Standards point-of care committees, and CLSI’s infectious disease guideline writing committee. He currently has six patents and numerous publications and presentations.
