Diagnosis
Swine flu is diagnosed by the history of the patient more so if he lives in an area that is affected by this strain of virus. The symptoms of flu add to the suspicion. As a part of diagnosis it is also important to consider if he has traveled to a high-risk area or has been in contact with an infected person.
Confirmation requires using a ‘Swine Influenza Test Kit’ to analyze samples from nasal, nasopharyngeal or throat swabs.
Sometimes more than one type of sample may be used. Although the Kit is not FDA approved it is believed to be a good test to detect the H1NI virus. The FDA however directs that the kit can be used in case of an emergency.
There is a minuscule chance that this kit can produce a false positive result but overall it is quite reliable.
A correct diagnosis is important to keep the spread of the disease under check.
