Influenza A & B and Strep Testing

There are certain illnesses that seem to be exceptionally common in the general population. Among these, the common cold and even flu often stand out. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that up to 45 million people might be infected with the influenza virus every year. Among these, as many as 61,000 may end up dying from the infection, and more than 800,000 may be hospitalized due to the complications caused by influenza.

While influenza is a common infection, the symptoms sometimes overlap with other conditions – such as strep infection. Even though symptoms may be similar, it is important to consider the pathogens behind these conditions. Due to the different pathogens, the same treatment does not work for both.

Influenza A and B testing can help you understand what type of influenza infection you have. This test can also help you understand if a bacterial infection might be behind the symptoms. We consider how the test works and why it is important.

How Does Influenza A & B Testing Work?

Influenza is a term that refers to what most people call "the flu." This is an infection that is caused by the presence of a virus – known as the influenza virus. When the pathogen enters your body and causes infection, you get the flu. The presence of the flu causes many symptoms to develop while your immune system goes to work to fight against the virus.

When testing for this virus, it is important to consider the fact that there are different kinds of influenza virus microorganisms that can cause these infections. Influenza A and B are particularly common kinds. The symptoms between these viral infections are similar, but the specific virus species causing them are different

Both Influenza A and B are exceptionally common. In fact, the annual epidemics with influenza are generally caused by these two influenza viruses. They can cause many symptoms to appear, including coughing, high fever, aches, and the common "sniffling."

The major difference between these two viruses is who they infect. Influenza A can infect any animal, as well as the human body. Influenza B, however, are generally only found in the human population and does not affect animals like in the case of influenza A.

Differentiating Between Influenza And Strep Infections

In many cases, a person may experience symptoms in their throat when they are infected with the influenza virus. This generally leads to a sore and irritated throat. Unfortunately, these symptoms are not only present with influenza. Sometimes, a different condition, known as strep, can also cause these symptoms.

It is sometimes difficult for the average person to differentiate between strep and influenza. The major issue of concern here is that the two are not caused by the same pathogens.

With influenza, a virus is behind the condition. In the case a patient develops strep, there is a bacterium behind the development of the infection.

Sure, both conditions have the term “infection” associated with them, but they are not treated in the same way. Treatment for influenza will not work on a strep infection. The use of a treatment developed for strep infection will also not work on influenza. This is because there are different pathogens behind these diseases.

Treatment for these conditions generally involves the following strategies:

Influenza:

In most cases, a doctor will not prescribe you a prescription when you have influenza unless you catch the illness within the first 48 hours. Prescription antiviral medications like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Baloxavir Marboxil (Xofluza). The antiviral medication acts against viruses – they do not work against bacteria. These medications can reduce the duration of illness if treatment is obtained early in the viral infection. You can get tested by your physician, urgent care center, or affordably at the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Over the counter medications are used to help relieve the symptoms you experience, such as the sore throat, coughing, runny nose, and perhaps muscle pain, consult your Medicine Center Pharmacist for recommendations.

Bed rest is generally the most recommended treatment for influenza infections. The body is mostly capable of fighting off a viral infection unless underlying health conditions are present.

Strep throat:

Strep throat is an infection caused by a type of bacteria (group A streptococcus). Strep bacteria cause almost a third of all sore throats. Strep throat usually needs treatment with antibiotics. . . The course of antibiotics generally lasts for a couple of days – in most cases, your doctor will prescribe a dose for five to seven days. Antibiotics work by either killing the bacterium that is causing the infection or by slowing down the growth rate of the bacteria. When the growth of bacteria is slowed down, it means your immune system is given an opportunity to fight off the bacteria and get rid of the infection. Over the counter medications are used to help relieve the symptoms you experience, such as the sore throat, coughing, runny nose, and perhaps pain, consult your Medicine Center Pharmacist for recommendations.

Antibiotics can only fight against bacteria in your body. Taking this drug with a viral infection like influenza will not help. In fact, when taking antibiotics when not needed, you may develop antibiotic resistance – a serious global concern.

Influenza and Strep Testing At Medicine Center Pharmacy

Treating influenza and strep infections differ. When treating an influenza infection with antibiotics, viral microorganisms will not be effectively killed. Similarly, antiviral medications will not have an effect on a bacterial infection like strep.

Medicine Center Pharmacy can help you or a family member recognize the pathogens behind the development of an infection. These infections can cause similar symptoms, but the right treatment is needed for a speedy recovery.

We can help with influenza A & B testing and Strep testing. After taking an assessment of your symptoms, a test can be administered to identify either influenza or strep infections. Testing is simple and does not cause any pain or discomfort. The test is primarily conducted with the use of a swab, which can provide us with adequate information on what is the cause. Once we have completed the testing procedure, details can be shared with your primary care provider to obtain adequate treatment if necessary.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html

https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/advanced-reading-types-of-flu-viruses#1

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338