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Information for individuals who test positive for influenza

Who is this site for? 

This site is for members of the public who have undergone a test for COVID 19 that has also included a test for Influenza. If at any time you or any member of your household becomes more unwell, they should visit NHS 111 Wales website. If it is a medical emergency dial 999. 

Background information for Influenza  

Influenza A and B are viruses that usually result in a mild, self-limiting illness, particularly in individuals have been vaccinated against Influenza. 

Individuals may feel unwell with Influenza A or B. Common symptoms are: 

  • Fever (temperature >38°C) 
  • Aching muscles and joints 
  • Headache 
  • Sore throat 
  • Cough  
     

If you have received a POSITIVE test result for influenza (A or B) 

If you have received a positive test for Influenza A or B you should stay at home until you are 24 hours symptom free, with the exception of a cough which can persist for a week or two.   

Whilst you are unwell, you should: 

  • Drink lots of fluids 
  • Cough and sneeze into tissues, which should then be thrown into a bin or flushed away 
  • Regularly wash your hands, particularly before touching objects to protect other members of you household 
  • Avoid close physical contact with other household members whilst you are symptomatic 

Once your symptoms have resolved you may resume your normal activities. 
 

Individuals who are aged 65 years or older, or who have a chronic health conditions, who test positive for Influenza (A or B) 

If you fall into an influenza risk group such as: 

  • Chronic respiratory disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),  
  • Chronic heart disease,  
  • Chronic renal disease,  
  • Chronic liver disease,  
  • Chronic neurological conditions  
  • Diabetic 
  • Immunosuppressed (examples)  

Treatment may be available, but is most effective if started within 48 hours of onset of symptoms. It is a prescription medicine, so you cannot buy it over the counter. Advice regarding treatment can be sought from your General Practitioner or Pharmacist. 

More information on influenza treatment can be found here (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta168/informationforpublic).


Individuals who are asymptomatic (have no symptoms at all) 

If you do not have symptoms you are unlikely to be infectious (pass on Influenza to others) However, if you have even very mild symptoms we would ask you to stay at home for 48 hours, or until you are 24 hours symptom free, (whichever is longer)  
 

Household contacts  

Your household contacts do not need to isolate and they can continue to engage in their normal activities as long as they remain symptom free.  If they develop symptoms they will need to arrange to have a COVID test, which or may not include a test for Influenza. Unfortunately, you are not able to specifically request a test for Influenza  
 

Household contacts who have chronic health conditions 

If you have a household member who falls into the risk groups outlined above, and they have not been vaccinated against influenza this year, then advice should be sought from either their Medical Consultant or their General Practitioner, regarding the use of prophylactic medication for Influenza A and B. Prophylactic treatment is a course of tablets that may reduce the chance of catching Influenza when living with an individual who has Influenza A or B. If indicated, this medication should be started with 48 hours. 

Vaccination against Influenza A or B is strongly encouraged in these high risk groups. 

More information on who can benefit from influenza prophylaxis can be found here (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta158/informationforpublic)

If you have recently received a vaccination for Influenza. 

Vaccination for influenza is offered every year to a number of individuals. Vaccinations for Influenza starting in October every year.  There are two different forms of vaccine, one is an injection into the arm and the other is given through the nose. The nasal vaccination is mostly given to school age children.  

Vaccination that is given through the nose can be detected by the PCR tests, as the test used can detect the vaccine for up to 3 weeks after it has been given. If you, or your child has been given the Nasal vaccine in the three weeks before the test is taken, and they are asymptomatic, it is very unlikely that they have Influenza or that they are infectious. If they have even mild symptoms, we would however recommend they stay at home for 48 hours, or until they are 24 hours symptoms free, (whichever is longer) after the date of the test.  

Vaccination that is given by injection will NOT affect the results of these tests