Where to get tested for H1N1

[Anonymous]

I called by child's Ped today and they will not test for H1N1. My child (14 mos) has all the symptoms, cough, fever, runny nose, lethargy...etc. If Peds are unwilling to test...how do you know that your child should forgo the H1N1 Vaccine....after all this could just be a cold. I am also pregnant....for that reason I would also like to know, so I can notify my OB if I start feeling crappy.


Is there anywhere that will test?

[Anonymous]

They're not supposed to test anyone non-critical (read: hospital) unless you pay out of pocket for a private lab ($500ish).

You can do a rapid test but a negative does NOT come anywhere close to ruling it out. If you got a type-a positive you could feel more confident... but the vaccine would still be a good thing, as it is more protective against future mutation.

[Anonymous]

You might try: http://www.farragutmedical.com/

The website says they will do evaluation and testing for H1N1.

[Anonymous]

Night Time Pediatrics tests for the flu.

[Anonymous]

Some peds will do a flu test, but it is not very accurate. Those results (if correct) will only tell you that your child has the flu or perhaps that it is Type A or Type B. The recommendation now is to only test for H1N1 if a person is hospitalized.

Our ped told us that if the child has a significant fever that does not go away for 3-4 days, then it probably is the flu. If it goes away earlier, then it is probably another virus.

[Anonymous]

Hi - I am a provider here in the area and can tell you that our practice is not testing for the swine flu because the testing is so very inaccurate and can be misleading (i.e. negative result in a positive patient)

The rapid test in the office does not change how we are treating patients as we are basing all decisions off of clinical signs and symptoms. In particular for you, being a pregnant mom, you should contact your OB immediately if you develop body aches or fevers regardless of the flu test for your child. Ultimately, it doesn't sound like the testing is necessary nor should it change anything for you or your child.

Additionally, your child should be vaccinated against the swine flu regardless of this illness.

Good luck!