Only 28% of hospitalized adults aged 65+ years receive flu testing

Older adults who are hospitalized with fever or respiratory symptoms during influenza seasons are tested for the flu less often than younger patients, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Researchers studied 1,422 adults hospitalized at four hospitals in Tennessee during influenza seasons from November 2006 through April 2012.

The study shows only 28 percent of participants received provider-ordered influenza testing. Those who were tested had an average age of 58 years and were younger than those not tested who had an average age of 66 years. Those who were tested were also more likely to have influenza-like illness. Nearly 50 percent of patients with confirmed influenza after researchers conducted laboratory testing did not have tests ordered by their providers.

"Influenza is a common cause of hospitalization in older adults, but it is often under-recognized," said Lauren Hartman, MD, of Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and a study author.

More articles healthcare quality: 
'Almost every patient in the hospital has the flu': How hospitals nationwide are coping with the influenza epidemic 
Early antiviral treatment can reduce flu outbreaks in long-term care facilities, study finds 
Study: Patient vaccine reminders boost immunization rates

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