To detect more bird flu cases, the CDC advises quicker 'subtyping'.

The number of H5N1 cases in the U.S. is increasing, leading to a rise in safety measures.

The CDC recommended on Thursday that hospitalized influenza A patients be tested more rapidly and comprehensively to differentiate between seasonal flu and avian flu.

The CDC stated in a press release that the rapid "subtyping" of flu A in hospitalized patients is due to "sporadic human infections" of avian flu.

The CDC is suggesting a shorter timeline for subtyping all influenza A specimens among hospitalized patients and intensifying clinical laboratory efforts to detect non-seasonal influenza.

"Healthcare professionals should test for influenza in patients with suspected influenza and promptly subtype influenza A-positive specimens from hospitalized patients, especially those in the ICU."

The agency emphasized the importance of "prompt infection control" and case investigation to prevent delays in identifying bird flu infections and improve patient care.

During flu season, high patient volumes are more likely to cause delays, according to the CDC.

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If a test for influenza A returns negative for seasonal influenza, it suggests that the detected virus may be novel. Health care systems are expected to use tests that can identify seasonal influenza A as a subtype.

The CDC emphasized the significance of subtyping in individuals with a history of exposure to avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses, whether wild or domestic.

The CDC has stated that the public risk for avian flu remains low, but is being closely monitored during an HHS media briefing on Thursday.

The CDC stated in its press release that hospitalized individuals with influenza A are likely to have seasonal influenza, not because of missed bird flu cases. The agency spokesperson confirmed that the accelerated testing is not related to this misconception.

Niels Riedemann, MD, PhD, CEO and founder of InflaRx, stated that comprehending these subtypes is a "vital step" in better preparing for "any potential outbreak of concerning variants."

Fostering research and development of therapeutics, particularly those targeting the patient's inflammatory immune response to viruses, is crucial, as this has been linked to organ injury and death during the COVID pandemic, as he stated on Planet Chronicle Digital.

According to the CDC, there have been 67 total human cases of bird flu since 2022, with 66 of those cases occurring in 2024.

To prevent infection, the CDC advises individuals to steer clear of wild birds and other animals that may be contaminated. Additionally, those who work with animals should use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).