In this article, Helen Peat and James Cottam highlight a crucial need for fast and efficient diagnostic tests to accurately differentiate between respiratory illnesses. Point of care (POC) PCR testing could play a central role in enabling healthcare providers to respond quickly to unpredictable surges in respiratory cases, aiding infection control and contributing to better patient outcomes.
Massive surges in cases of respiratory viruses — such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, and RSV — have threatened to overwhelm healthcare systems worldwide in recent years. Despite novel vaccines and extensive public health initiatives, these viruses continue to be significant threats to public health the world over, particularly during the winter season. For instance, SARS-CoV-2 was responsible for 53.3 % of the total 2,051 acute respiratory infections (ARIs) between week 40 of 2023 and week 14 of 2024, where virology testing was available.1 In addition, 193 SARS-CoV-2 deaths were reported in the UK, up to the 8 August 2024, and 2,695 people were hospitalised before the 29 July, showing that the pathogen still poses a significant threat several years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.2
The resumption of domestic and international travel, as well as the return of social gatherings, following the COVID-19 pandemic also led to a resurgence of influenza and RSV strains that had been temporarily kept in check. The measures implemented to combat COVID-19 initially led to a decline in influenza rates, but those numbers quickly rebounded once social activities resumed. However, more recent influenza outbreaks have been markedly more unpredictable in both timing and severity. Most surveillance systems in the UK indicated lower influenza activity and deaths in the 2023/24 season than in the previous winter period — 2,776 deaths down from 15,465 in 2022/23.1
Vaccination initiatives contribute to keeping influenza incidence numbers somewhat under control, but their effectiveness in preventing hospitalisation among those aged 65 and older is only around 30 %.1 Viral activity in 2023/24 also lasted longer than the previous season, showing variations in the timing of outbreaks that have put further strain on healthcare providers, with most centres now needing to continue testing and treatment well beyond the typical winter season window. In addition, uptake of the influenza vaccine in the UK has declined compared to the previous season, potentially creating concerns for the upcoming winter.1
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
