Authors (including presenting author) :
Chiang LK, Li YC, Chen XR, Ko SH
Affiliation :
Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Kowloon Central Cluster
Introduction :
After COVID-19 pandemics, there was surging of other viral respiratory infections, including influenza, respiratory syncytial viral infection etc. These viral respiratory infections were presented similarly in clinical symptoms and signs, and therefore was difficulty in differentiation clinically. Two entities of antiviral therapy were available for covid-19 and influenza respectively, which depended on valid diagnosis. 5-in-1 RAT has used as on site spot test for the diagnosis of viral upper respiratory infection.
Objectives :
To study the clinical usefulness of 5-in-1 RAT used in primary care clinics
Methodology :
This was a case series study, involving patients presented with respiratory symptoms or had fever within 2 days of attendance. Consecutive patients assessed at Fever Triage Station of primary care clinics, and agreed to participate were recruited. 5-in-1 RAT were done on site, while the nasal pharyngeal swab (NPS) was concurrent done and sent for PCR testing for confirmation of viral diagnosis.
Result & Outcome :
Out of 125 case series of 5-in-1 RAT done, 71 tests (56.8%) were positive. For the positive test, 43.7% (31 cases) were covid-19 infection, while 54.9% (39 cases) were influenza A or B infection. The remained one case (1.4%) was respiratory syncytial virus infection. With confirmed RAT diagnosis, specific antiviral therapy were initiated for respective viral infection. Antiviral therapy were prescribed for 51.6% of COVID-19 infections, while 74.4% of Influenza infection cases were treated with Tamiflu. After the COVID-19 pandemics, influenza infection had overtaken as the first respiratory infection in primary care setting. Clinically, 5-in-1 RAT help frontline primary care physician to differentiate COVID-19 and influenza infection, then appropriate antiviral therapy can be initiated confidently in the clinical setting. During the coming influenza season, 5-in-1 RAT should be a better choice for point of care test in the clinical setting.
