BOSTON -- So far, flu activity is low across the nation, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Video

Liz Brunner Reports On Test RESOURCES Flu Test

NewsCenter 5's Liz Brunner reported that 17 states have reported cases of influenza -- none yet in Massachusetts. But when it does hit, hospitals and doctors offices have a new weapon to help them detect the illness.

Doctors said that they'd be relying on a 10-minute test more than ever this year.

Massachusetts General Hospital began using the QuickVue flu test two years ago, during the anthrax scare -- and again last year to help rule out Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome. This is the first year it will be used to help manage what could be a bad influenza year.

"Some patients who come here with influenza are ultimately admitted. It's important to keep them separated from patients who potentially could become infected," Massachusetts General Hospital's Dr. Kent Lewandrowski said.

The test uses a nasal swab to look for both type A and B influenza. A testing strip contains a small amount of influenza antibody. A red line on the strip means the test is positive.

"It's important to be diagnosed within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, within the first two days of being sick, because that's the window of opportunity to give antiviral or antiflu medications," Massachusetts General Hospital Dr. Camille Kottton said.

Those medications, now being covered by most insurers, can cut down on the duration of the flu by about a day and can be used to help prevent family members who live with someone who is sick from getting the flu themselves.

Doctors said the test should help people get treatment faster, although it is just 80 percent accurate in detecting the flu

"We'd all like to have a perfect test, but if you want a test that is rapid and has a fairly high sensitivity and specificity. This test will get the job done," Kotton said.