Rapid Molecular Assay [influenza viral RNA or nucleic acid detection] A and B. NP 5 swab, nasal swab. 15-30 minutes 6. Yes/No 6. Immunofluorescence, Direct (DFA) or Indirect (IFA) Florescent Antibody Staining [antigen detection] A and B. NP 4 swab or wash, bronchial wash, nasal or endotracheal aspirate. 1-4 hours.For influenza A and influenza B viruses, selective amplification of target nucleic acid from the sample is achieved by the use of target-specific forward and reverseSep 1, 2023 · Based on NCHS mortality surveillance data available on August 31, 2023, 6.5% of the deaths that occurred during the week ending August 26, 2023 (week 34), were due to pneumonia, influenza, and/or COVID-19 (PIC). This percentage is above the epidemic threshold of 5.5% for this week. Mayo Clinic offers flu shots in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Your health care provider will conduct a physical exam, look for signs and symptoms of flu, and possibly order a test that detects influenza viruses. During times when flu is widespread, you may not need to be tested for it. Your health care provider may diagnose you based on your ...Mar 10, 2020 · Objectives Timely implementation of influenza infection control and treatment can significantly reduce the impact on Hospital resources and patient management when demand is at peak. Turnaround times of Laboratory based screening tests for the diagnosis of influenza may have an impact on the implementation of infection control measures and treatment. In this study the objectives included ... *The BD Veritor™ System for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A+B is intended for the in vitro, simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen and/or influenza A and B nucleoprotein antigens directly from anterior nasal swab samples taken from individuals who are suspected of a viral respiratory infection consistent with COVID-19 by a healthcare ... cough. sore throat. runny or stuffy nose. muscle or body aches. headaches. fatigue (tiredness) some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. *It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. More information is available at Flu and COVID-19 symptoms. Feb 24, 2022 · Influenza (flu): The flu is commonly caused by type A and B influenza strains. Symptoms are typically more severe than the common cold and can include coughing, fever (or chills), muscle aches, shortness of breath, and more. 1. INTRODUCTION. Influenza outbreaks are seen every year during the colder months of the year. Until now, four influenza pandemics have been reported, including the H1N1 (1918), the H2N2 (1957), the H3N2 (1967) and the H1N1 pandemic in 2009. 1 In addition, seasonal flu is reporting in different countries every year.Flu viruses are of four main types: A, B, C and D. Human influenza type A and B viruses are mainly responsible for the “flu season,” or seasonal influenza epidemics almost every winter in the United States. Type A influenza: This is the cause of most flu cases. It is the only influenza virus causing flu pandemics (a large number of flu ... Jan 12, 2023 · Nationally, flu activity during the 2021-2022 season began to increase in November and remained elevated until mid-June with two different waves of influenza A (H3N2) virus activity occurring; the first peaked in late December 2021, and the second in April 2022. Prior to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, flu activity would most commonly begin to ... For influenza A and influenza B viruses, selective amplification of target nucleic acid from the sample is achieved by the use of target-specific forward and reverseThere are 4 types of influenza viruses, types A, B, C and D. Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics of disease. Influenza A viruses are further classified into subtypes according to the combinations of the hemagglutinin (HA) and the neuraminidase (NA), the proteins on the surface of the virus. Currently circulating in ...Type C causes infection but does not cause typical flu symptoms. Both influenza A and B have been linked to the development of Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal complication that usually ...Influenza, commonly known as " the flu ", is an infectious disease caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms range from mild to severe and often include fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, coughing, and fatigue. These symptoms begin from one to four days after exposure to the virus (typically two days) and last for about 2–8 days.Viral transport medium acceptable for collection of influenza specimens in 1 mL or 3 mL volumes can be used to transport swabs for COVID-19 testing. For swabs in saline: OP, NP or anterior nasal swabs may be placed in 1 to 3 mL of sterile saline (0.85 to 0.9%) in a sterile screw cap container.Influenza A and B: A(H1), A(H1)pdm09, A(H3) SARS-CoV-2, Adenovirus, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus OC43, Human Metapneumovirus, Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Parainfluenza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Parainfluenza Virus 4, Respiratory Syncytial Virus: NPS: Approximately 45 minutes ... Influenza types A and B. These 2 types of viruses cause widespread illness (epidemics) almost every winter. They often lead to more people needing to go to the hospital, and more people dying from the flu. Public health officials focus on stopping the spread of types A and B. One of the reasons the flu remains a problem is because the viruses ... 1. INTRODUCTION. Influenza outbreaks are seen every year during the colder months of the year. Until now, four influenza pandemics have been reported, including the H1N1 (1918), the H2N2 (1957), the H3N2 (1967) and the H1N1 pandemic in 2009. 1 In addition, seasonal flu is reporting in different countries every year.Mar 26, 2018 · Influenza — commonly known as the flu — is a respiratory infection caused by flu viruses. There are three main types of influenza: A, B, and C. Types A and B are similar, but influenza B can ... Viral transport medium acceptable for collection of influenza specimens in 1 mL or 3 mL volumes can be used to transport swabs for COVID-19 testing. For swabs in saline: OP, NP or anterior nasal swabs may be placed in 1 to 3 mL of sterile saline (0.85 to 0.9%) in a sterile screw cap container. For use with Sofia 2 and Sofia. The Sofia Influenza A+B Fluorescent Immunoassay (FIA) uses advanced immunofluorescence-based lateral-flow technology to detect influenza A and influenza B viral nucleoprotein antigens. Sofia 2 with Advance Result Technology (ART) delivers accurate, objective and automated results in as few as three minutes.COVID-19/Flu A&B. test has three Test lines, one for SARS-CoV-2, one for influenza A, and one for influenza B. The three Test lines allow for the separate and differential identification of ...Flu symptoms for both A and B tend to appear in progression, beginning with a sudden onset of fever. Other early symptoms include: Dry cough Runny nose Sore throat Body aches Headache Fatigue When young children acquire influenza, they may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in addition to respiratory symptoms.A healthcare professional may be able to test for COVID-19, the flu and RSV at the same visit. Abbott offers several diagnostic tools to aid in fast, reliable respiratory virus testing. From our ID-NOW™ rapid system to the Alinity m Resp-4-Plex to the Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B Rapid Panel test*, we are equipping clinicians with tools to ...LP248181-2 Influenza virus A & B & Respiratory syncytial virus RNA panel Influenza viruses A and B are single-stranded RNA enveloped viruses belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family. The symptoms of infection of Influenza A and B include fever, cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, headache, myalgia and malaise.May 28, 2009 · Influenza A viruses infect a range of mammalian (e.g. pigs and horses) and avian species, whereas type B and C infections are largely restricted to humans. Only types A and B cause human disease of any concern. All of the currently identified 16 HA and 9 NA subtypes of influenza A viruses are maintained in wild, aquatic bird populations. The US is only about three months into the 2019–2020 flu season, and the illness has already left its mark—but it's a little different this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control ...CoV-2 negative results are presumptive and confirmation with a molecular assay, if necessary for patient management, may be performed. All negative influenza A and B test results areInfluenza A and B: None: None: NPS in VTM: 3.5 hr: Moderate: Luminex: Verigene Respiratory Virus Nucleic Acid Test Plus: Verigene SP: Influenza A and B: H1, H1pdm09, H3: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (A, B) NPS in VTM: 3.5 hr: Moderate: Luminex: Verigene RP Flex: VERIGENE Reader VERIGENE Processor SP: Influenza A and B: H1/H1pdm09, H3 Different types of COVID-19 and flu test kits use different testing methodologies. They can either be antigen-based or use molecular techniques. Diagnostic tests for viral antigens or RNA indicate a current infection. Antigen Tests. Antigen assays typically detect nucleocapsid proteins from a virus like SARS-CoV-2 or Flu A+B.sneezing. sore throat. fever. headache. fatigue. chills. body aches. Sometimes, influenza A symptoms may resolve on their own. However, if symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement ...The Flu SC2 Multiplex Assay and similar panels identify co-infections or alternative causes of influenza-like and COVID-19–like illnesses. The Flu SC2 Multiplex Assay can enable collection of critical data on influenza A and B viruses and SARS-CoV-2, as well as the prevalence of co-infection among these respiratory viruses.Performance characteristics for influenza A and B were established during February through March 2011 when influenza viruses A/California/7/2009 (2009 H1N1), A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2), and B/Brisbane/60/2008 (Victoria-Like) were the predominant influenza viruses in circulation according to the Morbidity and Mortality WeeklyAug 22, 2023 · FluNet Summary. This content is last updated on 22 August 2023. National Influenza Centres (NICs) and other national influenza laboratories from 108 countries, areas or territories reported data to FluNet for the time period from 24 July 2023 to 06 August 2023* (data as of 18/08/2023 06:58:57AM UTC). The WHO GISRS laboratories tested more than ... Jan 12, 2023 · Nationally, flu activity during the 2021-2022 season began to increase in November and remained elevated until mid-June with two different waves of influenza A (H3N2) virus activity occurring; the first peaked in late December 2021, and the second in April 2022. Prior to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, flu activity would most commonly begin to ... Jul 14, 2023 · The last time the state saw a significant wave of influenza B was in 2019, when 12,950 cases of influenza B were recorded. In 2020, 720 notifications of influenza B were made. There were 57 in ... The assay targets the influenza A viruses (matrix gene), the influenza B viruses (matrix gene) and RSV (matrix gene). Results are reported as Detected or NOT detected and a semi-qualitative result is provided by reporting the PCR Cycle threshold (Ct) value for positive specimens. Note: Due to supply chain variables and logistical workflows to ... Influenza A and B also have the same chances of complications from the flu, including a potential risk of death. (Beware of these deadly flu signs.) How are influenza A and B transmitted? Like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, both flu A and B spread from person to person, up to a distance of about six feet.The assay targets the influenza A viruses (matrix gene), the influenza B viruses (matrix gene) and RSV (matrix gene). Results are reported as Detected or NOT detected and a semi-qualitative result is provided by reporting the PCR Cycle threshold (Ct) value for positive specimens. Note: Due to supply chain variables and logistical workflows to ...Objectives Timely implementation of influenza infection control and treatment can significantly reduce the impact on Hospital resources and patient management when demand is at peak. Turnaround times of Laboratory based screening tests for the diagnosis of influenza may have an impact on the implementation of infection control measures and treatment. In this study the objectives included ...Oct 3, 2022 · fever* or feeling feverish/chills. cough. sore throat. runny or stuffy nose. muscle or body aches. headaches. fatigue (tiredness) some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. *It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. Influenza — commonly known as the flu — is a respiratory infection caused by flu viruses. There are three main types of influenza: A, B, and C. Types A and B are similar, but influenza B can ...There are two main types of influenza viruses: types A and B. Both type A and B influenza viruses regularly spread in people and are responsible for seasonal flu each year. WHAT IS THE sneezing. sore throat. fever. headache. fatigue. chills. body aches. Sometimes, influenza A symptoms may resolve on their own. However, if symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement ...Influenza A and B: None: None: NPS in VTM: 3.5 hr: Moderate: Luminex: Verigene Respiratory Virus Nucleic Acid Test Plus: Verigene SP: Influenza A and B: H1, H1pdm09, H3: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (A, B) NPS in VTM: 3.5 hr: Moderate: Luminex: Verigene RP Flex: VERIGENE Reader VERIGENE Processor SP: Influenza A and B: H1/H1pdm09, H3Type C causes infection but does not cause typical flu symptoms. Both influenza A and B have been linked to the development of Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal complication that usually ...Influenza virus from the family Orthomyxoviridae are enveloped negative-strand RNA viruses with segmented genomes containing seven to eight gene segments. Of the five genera in the family, only influenza A virus (IAV), influenza B and C viruses are medically relevant to humans. Influenza A and B viruses have a similar structure whereby these ...CoV-2 negative results are presumptive and confirmation with a molecular assay, if necessary for patient management, may be performed. All negative influenza A and B test results are There are 4 types of influenza viruses, types A, B, C and D. Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics of disease. Influenza A viruses are further classified into subtypes according to the combinations of the hemagglutinin (HA) and the neuraminidase (NA), the proteins on the surface of the virus. Currently circulating in ...serious flu complications. There are two main types of . influenza viruses: types A and B. Both type A and B . influenza viruses regularly spread in people, and are . responsible for seasonal flu ...Influenza B almost exclusively infects humans and is less common than influenza A. Flu type B also mutates about two to three times more slowly than influenza A. Because humans are the natural host of influenza B, pandemics generally do not occur with influenza B viruses. 22. Although scientists can classify and monitor the different types of ... serious flu complications. There are two main types of . influenza viruses: types A and B. Both type A and B . influenza viruses regularly spread in people, and are . responsible for seasonal flu ...Performance characteristics for influenza A and B were established during February through March 2011 when influenza viruses A/California/7/2009 (2009 H1N1), A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2), and B/Brisbane/60/2008 (Victoria-Like) were the predominant influenza viruses in circulation according to the Morbidity and Mortality Weeklytypes of influenza viruses: A, B, and C. Type A viruses are the most prevalent and are associated with most serious epidemics. Type B viruses produce a disease that is generally milder than that caused by type A. Type C viruses have never been associated with a large epidemic of human disease. Both type A and B viruses can1 hour ago · The CDC’s website says you can get a flu shot and a COVID-19 shot at the same time --in the same arm or one in each arm--if that is convenient and you are due for vaccination, but they do not ... Influenza, commonly known as " the flu ", is an infectious disease caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms range from mild to severe and often include fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, coughing, and fatigue. These symptoms begin from one to four days after exposure to the virus (typically two days) and last for about 2–8 days.Yes, for some people. There are three flu vaccines that are preferentially recommended for people 65 years and older. These are Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine . This recommendation was based on a review of available studies which suggests that ...Dec 3, 2020 · Influenza A and B infect humans each flu season and are both highly contagious. While treatment and prevention are the same, flu B tends to be less common. Search Aug 15, 2022 · The flu is caused by an influenza virus. Most people get the flu when they breathe in tiny airborne droplets from the coughs or sneezes of someone who has the flu. You can also catch the flu if you touch something with the virus on it, and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. People often confuse colds and flu. Information for the 2023-2024 Flu Season Thursday, August 17, 2023. CDC Reports Two Human Infections with Flu Viruses From Pigs Friday, August 4, 2023. H5N1 Bird Flu Found in Polish Domestic Cats Friday, July 21, 2023. Influenza Risk Assessment Tool (IRAT) Thursday, July 6, 2023. Virus Descriptions and Report Summaries Tuesday, July 4, 2023.*The BD Veritor™ System for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A+B is intended for the in vitro, simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen and/or influenza A and B nucleoprotein antigens directly from anterior nasal swab samples taken from individuals who are suspected of a viral respiratory infection consistent with COVID-19 by a healthcare ... May 18, 2021 · H1N1 flu is a subtype of influenza A. Subtypes of influenza A are categorized based on two proteins on the surface of the virus, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are many H and N subtypes, and each one is numbered. All H and N flu subtypes are influenza A viruses. Each influenza subtype has many different strains of influenza virus. Influenza A and B: A(H1), A(H1)pdm09, A(H3) SARS-CoV-2, Adenovirus, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus OC43, Human Metapneumovirus, Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Parainfluenza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Parainfluenza Virus 4, Respiratory Syncytial Virus: NPS: Approximately 45 minutes ...There are two main types of influenza viruses: types A and B. Both type A and B influenza viruses regularly spread in people and are responsible for seasonal flu each year. WHAT IS THEThere are two main types of influenza viruses: types A and B. Both type A and B influenza viruses regularly spread in people and are responsible for seasonal flu each year. WHAT IS THEPerformance characteristics for influenza A and B were established during February through March 2011 when influenza viruses A/California/7/2009 (2009 H1N1), A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2), and B/Brisbane/60/2008 (Victoria-Like) were the predominant influenza viruses in circulation according to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Jan 12, 2023 · Nationally, flu activity during the 2021-2022 season began to increase in November and remained elevated until mid-June with two different waves of influenza A (H3N2) virus activity occurring; the first peaked in late December 2021, and the second in April 2022. Prior to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, flu activity would most commonly begin to ... for influenza A and B were not re-established with the modified device and may vary from previous performance. Performance characteristics may vary against other emerging influenza viruses. If ...Table 2: Available FDA-Cleared Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (Antigen Detection Only) 1. These tests provide results in 10-15 minutes and differentiate between influenza A and B. Available FDA cleared tests as of August 2020.LP248181-2 Influenza virus A & B & Respiratory syncytial virus RNA panel Influenza viruses A and B are single-stranded RNA enveloped viruses belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family. The symptoms of infection of Influenza A and B include fever, cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, headache, myalgia and malaise.Influenza epidemics, also known as seasonal flu, occur annually and are the most common emerging infection among humans. These epidemics have major medical impacts, but they are generally not fatal except in certain groups such as the elderly. Pandemics, on the other hand, happen once every few decades on average.(SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]), influenza virus types A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus, multiplex amplified probe technique Influenza/RSV and COVID-19 0240U Infectious disease (viral respiratory tract infection), pathogen-specific RNA, 3 targets (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2], influenza A ...Objectives Timely implementation of influenza infection control and treatment can significantly reduce the impact on Hospital resources and patient management when demand is at peak. Turnaround times of Laboratory based screening tests for the diagnosis of influenza may have an impact on the implementation of infection control measures and treatment. In this study the objectives included ...Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Some people, such as people 65 years and older, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications. There are two main types of influenza (flu) viruses: types A and B. Influenza A and B: None: None: NPS in VTM: 3.5 hr: Moderate: Luminex: Verigene Respiratory Virus Nucleic Acid Test Plus: Verigene SP: Influenza A and B: H1, H1pdm09, H3: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (A, B) NPS in VTM: 3.5 hr: Moderate: Luminex: Verigene RP Flex: VERIGENE Reader VERIGENE Processor SP: Influenza A and B: H1/H1pdm09, H3COVID-19/Flu A&B. test has three Test lines, one for SARS-CoV-2, one for influenza A, and one for influenza B. The three Test lines allow for the separate and differential identification of ...serious flu complications. There are two main types of . influenza viruses: types A and B. Both type A and B . influenza viruses regularly spread in people, and are . responsible for seasonal flu ...There are two main types of influenza viruses: types A and B. Both type A and B influenza viruses regularly spread in people and are responsible for seasonal flu each year. WHAT IS THE Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection that causes symptoms like fever and chills, sneezing, coughing and a sore throat. The flu can be serious for some people, but if you are otherwise fit and healthy you usually don’t need to see a doctor. There is a vaccine available for the flu, and it’s recommended that everyone over the age of 6 ... Flu Treatment. If you get sick with flu, influenza antiviral drugs may be a treatment option. Antiviral drugs work best when started early, such as one to two days after your flu symptoms begin. Check with your doctor promptly if you are at higher risk of serious flu complications and you get flu symptoms . Jul 14, 2023 · The last time the state saw a significant wave of influenza B was in 2019, when 12,950 cases of influenza B were recorded. In 2020, 720 notifications of influenza B were made. There were 57 in ... Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection that causes symptoms like fever and chills, sneezing, coughing and a sore throat. The flu can be serious for some people, but if you are otherwise fit and healthy you usually don’t need to see a doctor. There is a vaccine available for the flu, and it’s recommended that everyone over the age of 6 ... Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Some people, such as people 65 years and older, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications. There are two main types of influenza (flu) viruses: types A and B. Flu viruses are of four main types: A, B, C and D. Human influenza type A and B viruses are mainly responsible for the “flu season,” or seasonal influenza epidemics almost every winter in the United States. Type A influenza: This is the cause of most flu cases. It is the only influenza virus causing flu pandemics (a large number of flu ...
Influenza B almost exclusively infects humans and is less common than influenza A. Flu type B also mutates about two to three times more slowly than influenza A. Because humans are the natural host of influenza B, pandemics generally do not occur with influenza B viruses. 22. Although scientists can classify and monitor the different types of ... . How many cc
Jan 10, 2020 · Types Symptoms Comparison Treatment Prevention Outlook There are four types of influenza virus. Influenza A is the most common, followed by influenza B. Both are highly contagious, and... 1. INTRODUCTION. Influenza outbreaks are seen every year during the colder months of the year. Until now, four influenza pandemics have been reported, including the H1N1 (1918), the H2N2 (1957), the H3N2 (1967) and the H1N1 pandemic in 2009. 1 In addition, seasonal flu is reporting in different countries every year.Type C causes infection but does not cause typical flu symptoms. Both influenza A and B have been linked to the development of Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal complication that usually ...The assay targets the influenza A viruses (matrix gene), the influenza B viruses (matrix gene) and RSV (matrix gene). Results are reported as Detected or NOT detected and a semi-qualitative result is provided by reporting the PCR Cycle threshold (Ct) value for positive specimens. Note: Due to supply chain variables and logistical workflows to ...There are two main types of flu (influenza) virus, types A and B, that are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics (“flu season”) each year. Influenza A is often considered worse. Influenza A viruses are: More prevalent Type A viruses are responsible for most cases (about 75%) of the flu ; Often cause more severe illnessInfluenza virus from the family Orthomyxoviridae are enveloped negative-strand RNA viruses with segmented genomes containing seven to eight gene segments. Of the five genera in the family, only influenza A virus (IAV), influenza B and C viruses are medically relevant to humans. Influenza A and B viruses have a similar structure whereby these ...Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) RIDTs, also called flu antigen tests, are the most common type of flu test. They can identify the presence of influenza A and B, and they work by detecting the parts of the flu virus called antigens that trigger an immune response. RIDTs usually involve inserting a swab into your nostril to get a sample.Flu symptoms for both A and B tend to appear in progression, beginning with a sudden onset of fever. Other early symptoms include: Dry cough Runny nose Sore throat Body aches Headache Fatigue When young children acquire influenza, they may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in addition to respiratory symptoms.cough. sore throat. runny or stuffy nose. muscle or body aches. headaches. fatigue (tiredness) some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. *It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. More information is available at Flu and COVID-19 symptoms.Viral transport medium acceptable for collection of influenza specimens in 1 mL or 3 mL volumes can be used to transport swabs for COVID-19 testing. For swabs in saline: OP, NP or anterior nasal swabs may be placed in 1 to 3 mL of sterile saline (0.85 to 0.9%) in a sterile screw cap container.The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads easily from person to person. This article discusses influenza types A and B. A type of influenza A infection due to the H1N1 influenza strain is commonly called the swine flu. Alternative Names.