After reading this story, I have one question? Was the child’s blood tested for the virus and if not how did the doctor make the diagnosis?
Good question. I’ll send him an email and ask him, and then post the reply if I get one.
From the author:
In general, the symptoms are very much like any other flu. The standard test given in any doctor’s office is a test strip with nasal swab.
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Formal “government” confirmation is done by the CDC, by which time the flu has already spread and run its course.
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We doubted the diagnosis at first. But the doctor turned out to be right on second opinion. The swab/strip test confirmed Type A - with markers “most likely H1N1.” The only absolute so far as I know is CDC confirmation.