Combo tests detecting the presence of influenza virus, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 are to appear in primary care offices this week. – At the initial stage of infection, we will be able to distinguish which virus we are dealing with or rule out infection with them. If it turns out that influenza is the causative factor, we have an effective agent that inhibits the replication of this virus - said Marek Posobkiewicz, Ph.D., spec. internal medicine, former head of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate.
Early stage combo tests will confirm or rule out infection
Published Jan. 9, 2023 12:20
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– Such a drug administered in the first days of the disease inhibits the multiplication of the virus in the body and there is an almost spectacular improvement in health. As for the Covid-19 virus, there are some drugs that help, but none as effective as in the case of the flu virus. In the case of the RSV virus, symptomatic treatment remains - explained Dr. Marek Posobkiewicz.
As the former head of GIS emphasized, the mere detection of the influenza virus and the interruption of replication is very important. It is known with which pathogen the fight is being waged. It is up to the primary care physician to decide whether to perform the combo test.
- If, based on the examination, the doctor sees that the patient has purulent discharge in the tonsils, i.e. he has strep throat, he will give the patient an antibiotic. In the case of viral infections, it will be unnecessary. There is an oversupply of antibiotics in society. On the one hand, many patients force doctors to prescribe them, and some doctors prescribe antibiotics for peace of mind. In the case of a viral infection, this antibiotic will not help at all, and in fact it will also sterilize the intestines, i.e. it will make the immunity weaker and the next infection will occur much sooner - emphasized the guest of Polish Radio.
