There has been a recent surge in the number of cases of flu like illnesses in our clinic which is reflective of what is happening around us.
As a result we have brought in the Influenza A and B test kit. With this test kit, we can take a sample from your nose and be able to determine if you have Influenza A or B within 15 minutes. The test is not specific for H1N1, but since H1N1 is a subtype of Influenza A which is now the predominant strain, we can say that anyone who is tested positive for Influenza A has a high chance of having H1N1. The test kit is just a convenient way for our patients to know their condition on the spot instead of having to wait for the results if we have to send it to the lab.
If you are diagnosed with Influenza A or B, our patients can now have the option of taking Tamiflu. Tamiflu should be used only in the more serious cases so not everyone will be given Tamiflu if they are tested positive.
As an additional precaution, our staff are masked and patients will be required to wear masks and wait outside the clinic if they are having a fever and/or flulike symptoms.
These are measures that we need to put in place during this time. We hope that you will bear with us as it might be a little uncomfortable and the waiting times will be a little longer than usual.
No comments:
Post a Comment