New Rapid Swabs to Aid Flu Diagnosis & Reduce antibiotic Misuse
As flu season peaks approach, healthcare providers in the Lariana area will have access to 150 new multi-virus swabs starting in December. These rapid nasopharyngeal tests,already available in some pharmacies for under €5,can identify influenza A,influenza B,COVID-19,and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) within fifteen minutes. Doctors will be reimbursed €8 per test administered through the public health system. The tests demonstrate over 90% reliability across all viruses detected.
The introduction of these swabs aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the inappropriate prescription of antibiotics.”These swabs will allow a targeted diagnosis wiht the identification of the responsible agent, a useful operation also from the point of view of appropriateness in the use of antibiotics,” explains Cristina Della Rosa, Director of Primary Care for the Lariana Asst. Currently, manny parents seek antibiotics for children with fever, hoping for a quick return to school or daycare. However, antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viruses.
Massimo Branca, provincial secretary of the italian Federation of Pediatricians, notes that a clear viral diagnosis, provided by the swabs, encourages parents to trust their doctor’s recommendations and avoid needless antibiotic use. Incorrect antibiotic prescriptions contribute to antibiotic resistance,a growing public health concern.
while the flu season hasn’t fully begun, early cases are emerging, particularly among four and five-year-olds. The vaccination campaign has launched early and appears to have higher participation rates this year.Monitoring the spread of these viruses will also be aided by the new testing initiative, according to pediatrician Mirko Lombardi.
Federico Citella, a family doctor, emphasizes the swabs’ value in preventing antibiotic errors. To address increasing patient volume, a clinic offering evening and holiday care for patients with flu syndromes and complications will open in via Napoleona starting in November. Access to this service will be through the 116117 hotline.
