Is there a laboratory test to diagnose Avian Influenza?
Some clinics in some countries have acquired test kits to test for seasonal influenza. These kits have a varying level of sensitivity but can help determine whether you may have influenza “A or B”. If the “A” test is positive and other symptoms and epidemiological information suggests the possibility of avian influenza, other samples may need to be sent to an advanced reference lab to perform a definitive identification of the type of influenza virus. This is a highly sophisticated test that may require several days to complete. There are other basic blood tests that your caregiver may wish to perform. If the constellation of your epidemiological information, symptoms, physical examination and laboratory tests is suggestive for Avian Influenza you should begun treatment. What precautions should I take if I live in an area affected by bird flu? Avoid contact with live birds, chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese and their feces, feathers and pens. Children, in particular, should be warned
