Common Viruses Detected Through New Blood Test

By Brooke Strickland
Writer for FEP International

A new study conducted through Duke University in North Carolina showed that common cold and flu viruses leave a distinct signature in the blood. The study took a volunteer sample group of individuals and exposed them to the rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus or a seasonal influenza A virus strain. Half of the volunteers became sick, and after taking their blood found a pattern of 30 genes that became active only in the infected patients. The study showed that testing could provide the ability to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections and would help minimize antibiotic use, as diagnoses would be more accurate [1].

If you feel yourself coming down with the common cold, which can often be pretty miserable, try some natural remedies before rushing into the doctor. Some of these include:

- Gargle: Gargling with salt water or water infused with raspberry leaves, lemon, ginger, or honey can help relieve your inflamed throat membranes.
- Drink hot liquids: Drinking teas and other hot liquids can help ease congestion and soothe sore throats. They also fight dehydration.
- Take a hot shower or bath: This is not only relaxing for your aching muscles, but can help with nasal congestion.
- Vitamins and herbs: Vitamin C and Echinacea are common supplements to take to help decrease the duration of the virus, while helping increase your immune system.
- Don’t stress: Stress can add strain to your body that is already fighting off infection, so if possible, minimize the stressors in your life and unwind.
- Rest, rest, rest: Your body is fighting a battle, so give it a reprieve by closing your eyes and curling up with a warm blanket.

If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care [2].

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Avoid a trip to the doctor. Take care of yourself and fight off the sniffles that are sure to hit this fall.

References

1. U.S. researchers find 'signature' of common virus. Reuters Health. http://www.reutershealth.com/en/index.html
Accessed on the web August 6, 2009.

2. Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You. CDC. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm Accessed on the web August 6, 2009.