Preventing Flu

Jim Ingebrand, Global Business Director, 3M Infection Prevention, explains why early detection is so important.

EHM. Each year, 5-20% of the US population gets the flu. Most at risk are often the most vulnerable members of society – the elderly and the very young. How serious is the problem?
JI. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year in the US, on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications with approximately 36,000 people dying from the virus or its complications. Hospitalizations and treatments associated with flu complications can have a significant impact on the healthcare system. The CDC estimates the cost of a severe flu epidemic to be $12 billion.

EHM. Can you explain how companies like 3M can help provide early detection of the flu virus? How exactly can the risk from flu be assessed?
JI. Rapid flu tests are increasingly being used to help provide timely and reliable diagnosis, avoid unnecessary and costly diagnostic tests and guide appropriate treatment.

Traditional viral culture, which can take three to10 days, often does not provide results in time to determine who will benefit from antiviral therapy according to the CDC. Flu antivirals have a 48-hour recommended therapeutic window for prescribing, making rapid testing even more essential.

A study from the University of Rochester* suggests that rapid flu testing in hospitalized individuals significantly reduced antibiotic use in those patients with positive rapid flu test results. A reliable and rapid result can lead to prompt isolation and appropriate treatment, reducing the risk of spreading the flu virus to others.

According to an article in the Archives of Internal Medicine*, influenza acquired in the hospital results in approximately $3,800 in extra charges per patient.

EHM. How does this form of diagnostic device differ from others currently available on the market? What are some of its standout features?
JI. The 3M Rapid Detection Flu A+B Test utilizes an easy-to-use automated reader to deliver an objective identification of patients from nasopharyngeal swab, nasopharyngeal aspirate, nasal wash or nasal aspirate infected with either influenza A or influenza B virus in 15 minutes. Although other rapid test for influenza A and influenza B can provide clinicians with quick results, these tests often lack sufficient sensitivity. The Rapid Detection Flu Test delivers both speed and clinical performance, giving health care providers reliable diagnostic information.

EHM. Are there any innovations likely to make an impact in this area in the next few years?
JI. Advancements in ease-of-use, speed and reliability will assist in guiding the right treatment for the right infection in the right timeframe.

James Ingebrand is the Global Business Director for 3M Medical Division’s infection prevention business, covering markets from medical diagnostics to disposable medical supplies and microbiology products. James also worked with 3M’s Drug Delivery Systems and Pharmaceutical divisions. He holds a BSc in Biochemistry and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.

*References for claims can be obtained at www.howtocatchtheflu.com/2 on the “Flu Facts” page.