Rapid Flu

Yes, we are testing in house. Our Medical Director has set the standard to test anyone with fever over 101. Luckily all good here so far. I've been on housekeeping to keep the doorknobs, light switches, handrails cleaned multiple times daily. Reminding the aides/nurses of frequent handwashing for them and for residents. Have told all staff to alert me if any visitor appears ill....because I will politely ask them to leave!

Rapid testing is useful in early identification of those who are positive for the flu, but shouldn't replace more accurate testing since false negatives are quite common with the rapid tests. False positive are less common but still occur. In other words, a patient who tests positive on a rapid test likely has the flu, but a patient who tests negative may still have the flu. Given that there is really no meaningful benefit to Tamiflu, I'm not sure it's really worth the cost particularly based off a less accurate rapid test.