Flowchart of Novel Influenza (A/H1N1) Diagnosis at Medical Institutes (24 May, 2009)

Flowchart of Novel Influenza (A/H1N1) Diagnosis at Medical Institutes (24 May, 2009)

This flowchart is an abridged version to assist diagnosis. For exact diagnosis, be sure to refer to the novel influenza case definitions established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Please obtain the latest version of the case definition as it will be updated as needed.

Flowchart of Novel Influenza (A/H1N1) Diagnosis at Medical Institutes

^*1: "Acute respiratory symptoms" is defined as at least two of the following symptoms (a) through (d),:
(a) rhinorrhea or nasal congestion, (b) sore throat, (c) cough, or (d) fever/feverishness or chill

^*2: Patients with recent onset sometimes get negative results from the rapid diagnostic kit for influenza.

^*3: " Infection with novel influenza (A/H1N1) virus is strongly suspected clinically" will be judged by a doctor, taking into account the clinical findings distinctive of novel influenza (A/H1N1) infection.

^*4: Shall be reported as a suspected case along with the following information:

1) If the patient has recently been to the area (in Japan or overseas) affected by novel influenza (A/H1N1).

2) If the patient was in contact with a patient or suspected case with novel influenza infection.

3) If there are people with flu-like symptoms around the patient (at work, school or in his/her family), and etc.

^*5: Shall be considered by each prefecture.