Several respiratory illnesses circulating in Europe this winter – rapid testing facilitates early diagnosis and appropriate treatment

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recently published news urging countries to take measures to reduce the impact of respiratory pathogens in Europe this winter. ECDC informs that primary care consultations for respiratory illnesses have gradually increased since September 2023. Additionally, ECDC recommends member states to prepare for the possible need to increase emergency department and ICU capacity.¹

There are currently many respiratory pathogens co-circulating at variable levels including for example SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and seasonal influenza. ECDC recommends to consider several public health measures to reduce the impact of these respiratory pathogens and to avoid overburdening of health systems. In addition to measures including for example vaccination and appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, ECDC recommends performing rapid testing to facilitate timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.¹

Aidian offers a wide range of easy-to-use rapid tests for the detection of influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV, adenovirus, Strep A, and other respiratory infections. Download our Respiratory tract infections -brochure for Nordics to learn more and contact us for more details.

Reference

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Public health action needed to mitigate the impact of respiratory pathogens for 2023-24 winter season in Europe. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/public-health-action-needed-mitigate-impact-respiratory-pathogens-2023-24-winter-season Accessed 22.12.2023.