tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
This document is intended for public health professionals to provide interim guidance on appropriate specimen collection, storage, processing, and testing for patients with suspected influenza A (H3N2) variant ([H3N2]v) virus infection. These guidelines for specimen collection, storage, processing, and shipping are consistent with guidance for the submission of seasonal influenza viruses to the laboratory.
Case Definitions
Review more information on definitions for confirmed, probable, and suspect cases at Interim Guidance on Case Definitions to be Used For Investigations of Influenza A (H3N2) Variant Virus Cases.
Duration of Viral Shedding
The duration of shedding of influenza A (H3N2)v virus is unknown. Therefore, until data are available, the estimated duration of viral shedding is based upon seasonal influenza virus infection. Infected persons should be assumed to be contagious up to 7 days from illness onset. Infected persons can shed virus and are potentially infectious from the day prior to illness onset until resolution of fever. Some persons who are infected might shed virus and be contagious for longer periods (e.g. young infants and immunocompromised persons).
Testing for Influenza A (H3N2)v Virus
Clinicians should consider testing suspected cases of influenza A (H3N2)v virus infection, especially those with severe illness, by obtaining an upper respiratory specimen.
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http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/h3n2v-testing.htm
Case Definitions
Review more information on definitions for confirmed, probable, and suspect cases at Interim Guidance on Case Definitions to be Used For Investigations of Influenza A (H3N2) Variant Virus Cases.
Duration of Viral Shedding
The duration of shedding of influenza A (H3N2)v virus is unknown. Therefore, until data are available, the estimated duration of viral shedding is based upon seasonal influenza virus infection. Infected persons should be assumed to be contagious up to 7 days from illness onset. Infected persons can shed virus and are potentially infectious from the day prior to illness onset until resolution of fever. Some persons who are infected might shed virus and be contagious for longer periods (e.g. young infants and immunocompromised persons).
Testing for Influenza A (H3N2)v Virus
Clinicians should consider testing suspected cases of influenza A (H3N2)v virus infection, especially those with severe illness, by obtaining an upper respiratory specimen.
..
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/h3n2v-testing.htm