Grant: Proof of Principle Program - Phase I

Influenza is a major public health problem because of its considerable mortality in elderly people and morbidity in all. It appears as an epidemic during the winter months usually lasting 6 to 8 weeks in each particular location. Spread of the virus is by contact with respiratory secretions on infected hands and aerosols created by sneezing. As the much less severe common cold virus has similar symptoms, it is important to rapidly and accurately diagnosis influenza infections, especially in hospitalized patients as well as in nursing and retirement home residents and staff in order to prevent spread. Appropriate treatment should be given hospitalized patients and prophylaxis used to curtail spread. We present here an improved method to rapidly diagnose influenza virus, identify whether it is a pandemic strain or not, and identify whether it is susceptible or not to Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) the most common influenza antiviral agent.