Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR
Understanding Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR
What is Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR?
A Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR is tailored to detect various strains of influenza (flu) viruses, including influenza A and B, as well as distinct subtypes like H3N2 and H1N1(Swine flu). Additionally, it also screens for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It helps in the thorough assessment of different strains of flu viruses causing potential respiratory illness.
Influenza (flu) viruses, A and B, including subtypes like H3N2 and H1N1, are known for causing seasonal flu outbreaks and respiratory illness of varying severity. This panel helps differentiate between influenza virus types and their subtypes. Additionally, RSV testing in this panel helps detect RSV, a common respiratory virus responsible for causing severe infections of the lungs and breathing passages in babies, children, and adults of all ages.
Your doctor may suggest a Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR when you have symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, and low-grade fever indicative of flu or a similar respiratory illness. The signs and symptoms of influenza vary by age, underlying health conditions, and immune function. However, the time from when a person is exposed and infected with flu to when symptoms begin is about two days but can range from about one to four days. Therefore to maximize the chances of detecting influenza viruses, get tested as soon as the symptoms appear.
A Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR helps detect various strains of viruses causing respiratory illnesses similar to common colds. To minimize the transmission of infection, consider proactive measures such as getting yearly flu vaccine shots, wearing masks, avoiding exposure to individuals infected with the flu virus, maintaining good personal hygiene, and including vitamin-C-rich foods in your diet to boost immunity.
No special preparations are required to get tested with a Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR. However, a duly filled Swine Flu / H1N1 Clinical Information Form (Annexure - CR/04) is mandatory before sample collection. This form can be provided by the laboratory personnel (phlebotomist) before sample withdrawal. It entails important information related to your medical history, diagnosis, and treatment.
Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation, therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of the test results. Identifying these virus strains can help your doctor in determining the specific type of flu and RSV infection you may have. This helps the doctor formulate appropriate treatment plans tailored to your condition.
What is Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR used for?
A Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR is done:
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When you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, body ache, or cough suggestive of viral infection
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To help diagnose respiratory infections caused by viruses namely, Influenza A, Influenza B, H1N1 (swine flu), H3N2, and RSV.
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To help doctors determine the cause of the clinical symptoms and differentiate between the flu and other viral infections.
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To monitor treatment response against viral infections.
What does Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR measure?
Contains 6 testsA viral flu panel tests for influenza A virus along with its subtypes H3N2 and H1N1 (swine flu), Influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Viral flu spreads mainly through tiny droplets when an individual with flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets are dispersed into the air and can infect individuals in close proximity. Also, the virus can spread by touching surfaces that may have influenza viruses on them and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. This panel helps differentiate between different strains of influenza viruses and identifies RSV infection. A Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR can be helpful during the flu season when there's a surge in various respiratory illnesses that show symptoms similar to the flu.
RNase P (IC) is an internal control used in a Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR. It ensures the accuracy and reliability of the test results by verifying suitable conditions for precise RNA analysis.
Influenza A
The Influenza A test checks for the presence of Influenza A virus and confirms the infection. Influenza A virus can infect both animals and humans and is responsible for most seasonal flu outbreaks. These viruses are further classified based on two proteins on their surface, called hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are 18 different H subtypes and 11 different N subtypes, which can combine ivariousnt ways to create new strains of the virus.
Know more about Influenza A
Influenza B
The Influenza B test checks for the presence of the Influenza B virus and confirms the infection. This type of influenza virus only infects humans and is less common than influenza A. Influenza B viruses are not classified based on two proteins on the surface, called hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) subtypes, but are instead grouped into two distinct lineages, B/Yamagata and B/Victoria.
Know more about Influenza B
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) test checks for the presence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and confirms the infection. This test should be performed within a few days after symptoms occur when there’s a greater detectable amount of the virus. RSV is a major cause of human respiratory infections, particularly among younger children who are affected most frequently with potentially most severe infections.
Know more about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
H1N1
The H1N1 test checks for the presence of the H1N1 virus, also called the swine flu (influenza) virus, and confirms the infection. Influenza or flu is a viral infection that affects your respiratory system. The infection is usually mild and resolves on its own, but the infection can be life-threatening in children under 5 years, adults above 65 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems. Hence, early detection via timely testing becomes crucial.
Know more about H1N1
H3N2
The H3N2 test checks for the presence of the H3N2 virus and confirms the infection. The influenza A virus has a subtype known as H3N2, which can induce sickness in humans and animals such as pigs and birds. This particular strain of the flu virus is capable of causing illness. During testing, respiratory specimens such as nasopharyngeal swabs or nasal washes are analyzed to detect viral RNA or antigens.
Know more about H3N2
Rnase P(IC)
The RNase P gene is used in the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) protocol as an internal control (IC) for the detection of COVID-19, since this is a multi-copy gene that is abundant in the human genome, and therefore is easily detectable. Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is an endoribonuclease that cleaves other RNA molecules at the junction between a single-stranded region and the 5′ end of a double-stranded region. The enzyme is one of only two ribozymes that can be found in all kingdoms of life (Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya).
Know more about Rnase P(IC)
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR
Frequently Asked Questions about Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR
Q. What is the purpose of a Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR?
Q. Are there any risks associated with a Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR?
Q. How is the sample collected for a Viral Flu Panel (Influenza A&B, H3N2, H1N1, RSV) Qualitative RT-PCR?
Q. What is the difference between Influenza A and Influenza B?
Q. What is swine flu (H1N1)?
Q. What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
Q. Is influenza contagious?
Q. What can I do to prevent influenza virus infections?
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References
- Influenza (seasonal) [Internet]. WHO; 03 Oct. 2023 [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)#:~:text=Seasonal%20influenza%20(the%20flu)%20is,way%20to%20prevent%20the%20disease.
- Five simple steps to protect against flu [Internet]. WHO; [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/five-simple-steps-to-protect-against-flu
- Healthy Habits to Help Protect Against Flu [Internet]. CDC; 26 Aug. 2021 [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm#:~:text=Clean%20and%20disinfect%20frequently%20touched,fluids%2C%20and%20eat%20nutritious%20food.
- Information on Swine/Variant Influenza [Internet]. CDC; 01 May 2023 [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/index.htm
- How Flu Spreads [Internet]. CDC; 20 Sept. 2022 [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm
- Arbeitskreis Blut, Untergruppe «Bewertung Blutassoziierter Krankheitserreger». Influenza Virus. Transfus Med Hemother. 2009;36(1):32-39. [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2928832/
- Boktor SW, Hafner JW. Influenza. [Updated 2023 Jan 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459363/
- Jain H, Schweitzer JW, Justice NA. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Children. [Updated 2023 Jun 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459215/
- Key Facts About Influenza (Flu) [Internet]. CDC; 24 Oct. 2022 [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm#onset
- Camejo Leonor M, Mendez MD. Rubella. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559040/
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