Influenza Surveillance - Epidemiology Report
May 13, 2011
Influenza is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite relatively poor sensitivity and specificity of rapid antigen tests, they provide a tool for timely diagnosis and clinical management of influenza patients while antiviral treatment can decrease complications of this disease. Other studies have shown a decrease in diagnostic tests, antibiotics prescribed, and hospital stays in populations with a positive influenza test.