Diagnosis of the flu

Synonyms

Influenza, real flu, viral flu

Influenza diagnostic procedures

The diagnosis of the flu results from the typical symptoms, but the virus can also be detected directly or indirectly. Secretions are obtained by means of a swab from the nose, throat or eyes, in which the viruses or antibodies against them can be detected. Other ways of obtaining material are irrigation of the nose and throat, or bronchoscopy (examination of the lungs with fiber optics) to obtain tracheal secretion or irrigation fluid (BAL = bronchoalveolar lavage).

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With the Influenza rapid test a result can be achieved within 15 minutes; this is detected by antibodies against influenza viruses attached to a test strip. However, the quick test is not always meaningful because it has a high error rate.

A clear detection of influenza viruses succeeds with the PCR (Polymerase C.grove R.eaction). This can be used to directly prove the genetic information of the viruses.

in the blood antibodies against influenza viruses can be detected. This test is only useful in retrospect, however, as it takes at least a week from the onset of the disease until the body has formed enough antibodies to be able to detect them.

Summary

In summary, it can be said that the clear diagnosis the "real flu" because the symptoms, especially at the beginning of the illness, are the symptoms of a cold resemble, and infection with the virus can sometimes lead to severe disease, ideally from a doctor should be carried out. In addition to a detailed anamnesis, a Smear a reliable diagnosis of the disease can be made. The examination of the sample can be carried out either by means of a rapid test or in an external laboratory. The diagnosis by examining the patient's blood is a very reliable method of detecting the virus, but is only meaningful 7 days after the onset of the disease.

blood

Among other ways of Diagnosis of the disease with influenza viruses can do that too blood serve the person concerned as material to make the diagnosis. Different markers in the blood can be examined here. One method examines the number of so-called specific antibodywhich form due to infection with the virus. Depending on the amount of antibodies, an infection with the virus can be classified as very likely. However, since these antibodies only after 7 days are in sufficient amounts in the blood, this test is not suitable for detecting the disease at an early stage. Another test that is considered extremely sensitive, but is relatively complex to carry out, is that Detection of the DNA of the virus in the person's blood.

ICD

ICD stands for "International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems"(English: International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems). This is the am most widely used and applied diagnostic classification system in medical diagnostics.

A so-called notation is assigned to each disease, which is specific to this type of disease. The notation for an influenza virus infection is J10 and thus falls under the group of Respiratory system diseases. The correct name is then: J10 - flu caused by other proven influenza viruses, and thus describes a "real flu". There are also subgroups of the notation that are assigned depending on the type of complaint:

So it stands J10.0 for a flu with a simultaneous pneumonia (Pneumonia) and evidence of influenza viruses.

J10.1 for a manifestation of the disease in the respiratory tract with simultaneous detection of Influenza viruses. For example, a proven infection with influenza viruses with an existing sore throat would be classified this way.

According to the ICD classification, J10.8 stands for an infection with influenza viruses that has been detected and has manifested itself in organs outside the respiratory tract. A flu with an existing acute myocardial inflammation that can be traced back to it would therefore be classified as J10.8.

Diagnosis of bird flu

In the Bird flu, also avian influenza called, they are mutations of the influenza A virus. It hardly differs from infection with other influenza viruses.

The Symptoms are like other types of influenza virus flu-likewhich is why the distinction between bird flu and other subtypes must be made in a different way than looking at the symptoms. First of all, the anamnesis by the attending physician is important for the diagnosis of the presence of bird flu. Since the influenza viruses of the bird flu subtype are less contagious to humans than the “normal” flu, a intensive contact between infected poultry and affected person have ruled. Whether this was the case is one of the central points of the anamnesis if an infection with the virus is suspected.

If the suspicion of being infected with the bird flu virus is confirmed, a Smear of the throat wall or nasal mucosa done so that the DNA of the virus can be demonstrated for the reliable establishment of the diagnosis. Since the genetic information of the bird flu virus differs from the DNA differs from the other common influenza viruses, this test can provide certainty about the presence of an infection with this virus.

Diagnosis of swine flu

In the Swine flu (also: "New flu“) Is a mutation of the influenza A virus, which can affect humans as well as pigs. Since the Symptoms resemble the usual symptoms of an infection with the influenza virus, a clear diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms alone. A clear diagnosis can be made when the genetic makeup of the virus is in a Smear from the throat or nasal mucosa of the person concerned. The material is removed using a cotton swab and the contained DNA duplicated and examined. If the genome of the swine flu virus can be detected in addition to the DNA of the person affected, the infection is most certainly an infection with the mutated influenza A virus.