The Role of Accurate Testing in Preventing Respiratory Illnesses: Insights from Dr. Aparna Ahuja

Get Ready for Flu Day, September 17, 2024

(Adobe Stock 139969326 by drubig-photo)

As online searches for respiratory illness symptoms increase, the potential for misinformation is a growing concern. In an interview with Infection Control Today^® (ICT^®) for Get Ready for Flu Day, Aparna Ahuja, MD, divisional vice president at Abbott ID Rapid Diagnostics, highlights the importance of early testing and professional consultation to manage respiratory diseases effectively.

ICT: With the increase in online searches for respiratory illness symptoms, how concerned are you about the potential for misinformation affecting patient decisions and overall public health?

Aparna Ahuja, MD, is currently the divisional vice president of medical, clinical, and scientific affairs at Abbott ID Rapid Diagnostics

Aparna Ahuja, MD: If you experience symptoms of a respiratory illness, it is essential to test promptly. Testing can be an important first step in understanding your condition, but it’s always best to consult a doctor or health care professional if you have questions. Abbott offers accessible testing options, such as ID NOW tests for influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Strep A (Group A Streptococcus), which can be administered by health care professionals at local pharmacies. Seeking timely professional advice is critical, especially during peak illness seasons.

Internet use for health information has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients often encounter misleading content online, which can lead to inappropriate self-diagnosis and delays in seeking care, worsening health outcomes and potentially contributing to the spread of infectious diseases. Access to accurate, evidence-based information is crucial for effective disease management and better patient outcomes.

ICT: What role can infection prevention personnel play in guiding the public towards reliable sources of information during respiratory illness season, particularly in the face of widespread self-diagnosis through online searches?

AA: Infection prevention personnel are critical in directing the public to reliable information during respiratory illness season. They can identify common areas of concern and develop targeted communications to address these issues, guiding people toward trusted sources.

ICT: How important is accurate testing and diagnosis in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses, especially when many individuals rely on information found online rather than seeking medical advice?

AA: Accurate testing and diagnosis are essential in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses, especially when individuals may rely on online information instead of seeking medical advice. Early, professional intervention can lead to faster recovery, reduce complications, and prevent further transmission. Rapid diagnostic tests, like the BinaxNOW Self-Test, provide an extra layer of protection for individuals and their loved ones.

September 17, 2024, is also World Patient Safety Day!

ICT: What strategies can infection prevention teams implement to educate the public on the risks of self-diagnosis without accurate testing and the importance of professional medical consultation, particularly during peak illness seasons?

AA: Infection prevention teams can implement strategies to educate the public on the risks of self-diagnosis without accurate testing and the importance of professional consultation, particularly during peak illness seasons. Furthermore, raising awareness about accessible testing options—such as Abbott’s ID NOW tests, which can be administered by health care professionals at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens to detect influenza, RSV, and Strep A—can encourage individuals to seek timely professional advice, especially during peak illness seasons.