During a period of low regional prevalence of influenza, which of the following patients presentations would NOT warrant testing for influenza?
A. A well-appearing 12-year-old boy with a history of moderate asthma, a temperature of 39.4°C (103°F), cough, nasal congestion, clear lungs, and no respiratory distress on examination
B. A well-appearing, previously healthy 68-year-old man with a temperature of 39.4°C (103°F), cough, myalgia, clear lungs, and no respiratory distress on examination
C. A well-appearing, previously healthy 12-year-old boy with a temperature of 39.4°C (103°F), cough, sore throat, clear lungs, and no respiratory distress on examination
D. A well-appearing, previously healthy 18-month-old infant male with a temperature of 39.4°C (103°F), cough, nasal congestion, clear lungs, and no respiratory distress on examination
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Answer: C. During periods of low local prevalence of influenza, patients with influenza-like illness who have mild-to-moderate symptoms and no high-risk factors for a more severe disease course do not require testing for influenza and can be treated with supportive therapy alone. A previously healthy 12-year-old boy with without any signs of respiratory distress or compromise is a candidate for supportive therapy. A history of asthma, patient age <2 years, and patient age ≥65 years are each risk factors for a more severe disease course in influenza; when there is low local prevalence of influenza, rapid testing should be administered to patients in these groups who present with influenza-like illness so that antiviral therapy can be initiated if indicated.
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Last Updated on January 26, 2023
