CDC US proposes faster testing of human bird flu amid influenza season

CDC US proposes faster testing of human bird flu amid influenza season
CDC US proposes faster testing of human bird flu amid influenza season

U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advice hospitals to determine whether the patient suffering with a flu is infected by bird or seasonal influenza within 24 hours of admission.

As per NBC, on Thursday, CDC revealed that to not hinder the bird flu investigation, the labs are instructed to send out the tests as soon as possible.

Dr. Nirav Shah, the CDC’s principal deputy director shared during the press conference, "The more time that goes by, the more memories fade and the harder it is to identify a potential source."

Along with that, the delay in test could result in the missing of time frame to provide them with any preventative medications like Tamiflu.

As per CDC's latest update testing for bird flu should move within 24 hours of a person’s hospital admission.

"The system right now tells us what has already happened. What we need is to shift to a system that tells us what’s happening in the moment," Shah added.

Seasonal flu is extremely high in U.S right now, with virus spreading in states including New Mexico, Louisiana, Oregon and Tennessee.

The latest proposal is for patients with influenza A, as the bird flu, H5N1, is a sub-type of flu A.

People working with dairy cattle, poultry and wild birds are more at risk to be infected by H5N1 with the cases gradually rising, although the idea of human to human transmission has still not been proven.

Furthermore, Kelly Wroblewski, senior director of infectious diseases for the Association of Public Health Laboratories showed her support for the new rule. 

She revealed how precaution could put the nation in better position for a possible pandemic.

There have been an estimated 110,000 flu-related hospitalisations since flu season began, with only 67 human cases of bird flu, as per CDC reports.

Related
Read more : Health

New Covid strain takes over UK with unique symptoms

New Covid strain takes over UK with unique symptoms
Stratus consists of two strains, XFG and XFG.2, which constitute up to 30% of cases across the UK

THESE common meds do not cause inflammatory bowel disease, study

THESE common meds do not cause inflammatory bowel disease, study
Medicines including NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen, ACE inhibitors, aren’t linked to a higher risk of microscopic colitis

Juice, smoothies and soft drinks can dehydrate you in hot weather, say experts

Juice, smoothies and soft drinks can dehydrate you in hot weather, say experts
Alcohol should also be avoided in hot weather as it causes the body to lose water which often leads to dehydration

Excessive screen time linked to delayed learning in children, study

Excessive screen time linked to delayed learning in children, study
Experts warn too much screen time may hinder language development in young children

Chickpeas show surprising power to cut cholesterol levels in new study

Chickpeas show surprising power to cut cholesterol levels in new study
Those who ate chickpeas everyday showed a major improvement in their cholesterol levels

Air pollution fuels lung cancer in non-smokers, study

Air pollution fuels lung cancer in non-smokers, study
Air Pollution could drive lung cancer mutations in people with little to no history of smoking

15-minute workouts to rapidly lose weight

15-minute workouts to rapidly lose weight
Discover a few effective 15-minute workouts that are scientifically proven to rapidly help reduce fat

Measles outbreak spreads to Kentucky as US case tally reaches 1,267 this year

Measles outbreak spreads to Kentucky as US case tally reaches 1,267 this year
Health officials urge all parents to have their children vaccinated to ensure protection from measles