Should you be tested for influenza when you are sick?

Last week, the State Department of Health had confirmed more than 2,800 cases of influenza throughout the state.

A local supplier says that these numbers are not the most accurate because many people do not even get tested.

But you should?

The journalist Nathalie Gomez discovers if it is worth the risk of exposing your illness to others.

The numbers of the flu are down compared to last season …

"Last year was worse than this year, so far we have not had too many problems," said Casmiar Nwaigwe, an infectious disease specialist.

He believes that's because more people have been vaccinated.

"There is a better match between the emerging strain and that used in the influenza vaccine," Nwaigwe said.

According to Dr. Nwaigwe, although local clinics and the health department collect data on influenza, these figures do not necessarily reflect the number of people who are sick. He says that there is probably more than …

"The actual number is 10 or 100 times higher than that," said Nwaigwe.

and although it is important to follow, he advises those who do not need to be hospitalized to STAY HOME!

"In fact, it's important that you do not come and that you do not get tested, because what can happen is to expose others to the flu," said Nwaigwe.

He adds that flu screening is not the most comfortable and that providers can usually tell you if you have the flu based on your symptoms.

"We do not want a situation where you wait in the waiting room to be seen by the doctor because you think you have the flu and you pbad the flu to other people. waiting in the waiting room to get vaccinated. " "said Nwaigwe.

He says that if you think you have the flu, call your provider first and he could possibly write you a prescription without you getting up.

and that will protect you and others …

Dr. Nwaigwe says it's not yet too late to get vaccinated against the flu. Even if it does not prevent the flu, completely, it will help.