Synonyms
Influenza, real influenza, virus fluThe diagnosis of influenza results from the typical symptoms, but the virus can also be detected directly or indirectly. In this case, a smear is taken from the nose, throat or eyes to obtain secretions in which the viruses or antibodies against them can be detected. Other ways of obtaining material are the rinsing of the nose and throat or, by means of bronchoscopy (examination of the lungs with fibre optics), the collection of tracheal secretion or irrigation fluid (BAL = bronchoalveolar lavage).
With the rapid influenza test, a result can be obtained within 15 minutes. Antibodies against influenza viruses are detected by means of antibodies attached to a test strip. However, the rapid test is not always meaningful, as it has a high error rate.
The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a unique method of detecting influenza viruses. This allows the genetic information of the viruses to be detected directly. In the blood, antibodies against influenza viruses can be detected. However, this test is only useful afterwards, as it takes at least one week from the onset of the disease until the body has produced enough antibodies to detect them.
Summary
In summary, a clear diagnosis of “real flu” is best made by a physician, as the symptoms, especially at the beginning of the illness, are similar to the symptoms of a cold, and infection with the virus can sometimes lead to severe disease progression. In addition to a detailed anamnesis, a smear test can be used to make a reliable diagnosis of the disease. The examination of the sample can be carried out either by means of a rapid test or in an external laboratory. Diagnosis by examination of the patient’s blood is a very reliable method of detecting the virus, but is only meaningful 7 days after the onset of the disease.
Blood
Among other possibilities of diagnosing the disease with influenza viruses, the blood of the affected person can also serve as material to make the diagnosis. This can be done by examining different markers in the blood. One method examines the number of so-called specific antibodies that are formed due to infection with the virus.
Depending on how large the amount of antibodies is, an infection with the virus can be classified as very likely. However, since these antibodies are only present in sufficient amounts in the blood after 7 days, this test is not suitable for detecting the disease at an early stage. Another test, which is considered extremely sensitive but relatively costly to perform, is the detection of the DNA of the virus in the blood of the affected person.
ICD stands for “International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems”: International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems). It is the most widely used and applied diagnostic classification system in medical diagnostics. Each disease is assigned a so-called notation, which is specific for this type of disease.
The notation for the presence of an infection with influenza viruses is J10 and thus falls under the group of diseases of the respiratory system. The correct notation is then: J10 – flu caused by other proven influenza viruses, and thus describes a “real flu”. There are also subgroups of the notation, which are assigned according to the symptoms: For example, J10.
0 stands for a flu with a simultaneous pneumonia (pneumonia) and the detection of influenza viruses. J10. 1 for a manifestation of the disease in the airways with simultaneous detection of influenza viruses.
For example, a detected infection with influenza viruses with an existing pharyngitis would be classified as such. J10. 8 is the ICD classification for an infection with influenza viruses that has been detected and manifested in organs outside the respiratory tract. Influenza with an existing, acute heart muscle inflammation due to this would therefore be classified as J10. 8.