Screening for Viral Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds and Influenza)

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

There are no screening tests for colds and influenza. Diagnosis and treatment begin with the onset of symptoms.

Influenza. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at:
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/respiratory-viruses/influenza
Updated April 2014. Accessed August 11, 2015.

Influenza in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated June 17, 2015. Accessed August 11, 2015.

Upper respiratory infection (URI) in adults and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated July 8, 2015. Accessed August 11, 2015.