You are “coming down with something”. Maybe you have a scratchy throat and body aches. You have an old, combination flu/COVID rapid antigen test in the cupboard.

Should you use it to see if you have the flu? Will it detect the “super-K” flu you’ve heard about? Or is it worth seeing a doctor for a test instead?

Here’s what to know about testing for flu at home.

Remind me, how do we test for flu?

There are two main ways to test for flu.

The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test is known as RT-PCR or, more commonly, just PCR. This is what your GP orders after taking a swab of your nose and back of the throat. This test detects viral genetic material.

But rapid antigen tests or RATs are the type you do at home. These detect particular viral proteins (antigens) in your saliva or nasal secretions.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration lists RATs currently approved in Australia to detect respiratory viruses.

You can check your test against the list. This includes tests that detect various combinations of influenza (types A and B), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (listed as ADV) and COVID.

Which test is best?

Both types of tests have their pros and cons. So here are some things to consider.

Speed

RATs are quick and you can do them at home. Once the sample is in the device, you will generally have your result in 15–20 minutes. You won’t need to make and attend a GP appointment. An at-home test means you are also not inflicting your germs on the GP, staff or other patients in the waiting room.

A PCR test takes longer. First you have to wait for a GP appointment. Then, you may have to wait several days for the results.

Cost

The cost of both tests can differ. A combination flu/COVID RAT can cost a few dollars, less per test if you buy in packs of five or more.

You would not usually be charged for a PCR test in Australia. However, if your doctor does not bulk bill, you will have to pay an out-of-pocket fee for the medical appointment itself.

Accuracy and the super-K variant

PCR tests are more accurate than RATs, and can detect a viral infection when your viral load (the amount of virus present) is much lower that what a RAT can detect. This is because the PCR process copies a section of the viral genome many times to make it more easily detectable.

So a negative RAT is no guarantee you don’t have the flu. If your symptoms continue and you are concerned, a PCR will provide a more accurate answer.

But can RATs detect new variants of the flu virus? Fortunately, RATs detect “highly conserved” proteins. These are proteins that tend to be stable between different variants. A new variant should not interfere with the sensitivity of the RAT – its ability to correctly detect the flu.

So it’s likely that a flu RAT can detect the new H3N2 subclade K influenza variant, dubbed “super-K”, although no data have been published on this yet.

What if I’m at high risk?

People 65 or older, young children, pregnant women, and people taking immunosuppressive medications (such as, transplant recipients, or those having chemotherapy for cancer) are at greater risk of having more serious illness if they catch the flu.

In these higher-stakes situations, it might be better to see a GP as they can prescribe anti-flu drugs as a precaution.

These drugs may reduce the severity and duration of illness, and the risk of complications and hospitalisation associated with the flu.

If you decide to see your GP, let the surgery know you have symptoms. You may need to do an online consultation or wear a mask in the waiting room.

Are old RATs OK?

Before using a RAT that has been sitting in your cupboard, ensure it is within its use-by date and has been stored appropriately. If you have refrigerated the test, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using, otherwise it won’t work properly.

I’ve written previously about other do’s and don’ts of using RATs, including how to avoid sampling snot and how best to dispose of the test.

To detect flu it’s best to test within three to four days of symptoms starting. At this point the viral load will be highest and the test will be most accurate.

In a nutshell

If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, and you want to see what you have, using a RAT is a good idea. That’s as long as the test has not expired, has been stored correctly and you are not in a high-risk group.

If it’s likely flu could be more serious for you (or someone you may be in contact with), a GP appointment may allow you to access anti-viral medications to reduce your risk of severe illness, and a PCR test would offer a more accurate diagnosis.

Thea van de Mortel, Professor Emerita, Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

People presenting at emergency with mental health concerns are experiencing the longest wait times in Australia for admission to a ward, according to a new report from the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine.

But with half of New South Wales’ public psychiatrists set to resign next week after ongoing pay disputes – and amid national shortages in the mental health workforce – Australians who rely on psychiatry support may be wondering where else to go.

If you can’t get in to see a psychiatrist and you need help, there are some other options. However in an emergency, you should call 000.

Why do people see a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are doctors who specialise in mental health and can prescribe medication.

People seek or require psychiatry support for many reasons. These may include:

• severe depression, including suicidal thoughts or behaviours
• severe anxiety, panic attacks or phobias
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Psychiatrists complement other mental health clinicians by prescribing certain medications and making decisions about hospital admission. But when psychiatry support is not available a range of team members can contribute to a person’s mental health care.

Can my GP help?

Depending on your mental health concerns, your GP may be able to offer alternatives while you await formal psychiatry care.

GPs provide support for a range of mental health concerns, regardless of formal diagnosis. They can help address the causes and impact of issues including mental distress, changes in sleep, thinking, mood or behaviour.

The GP Psychiatry Support Line also provides doctors advice on care, prescription medication and how support can work.

It’s a good idea to book a long consult and consider taking a trusted person. Be explicit about how you’ve been feeling and what previous supports or medication you’ve accessed.

What about psychologists, counsellors or community services?

Your GP should also be aware of supports available locally and online.

For example, Head to Health is a government initiative, including information, a nationwide phone line, and in-person clinics in Victoria. It aims to improve mental health advice, assessment and access to treatment.

Medicare Mental Health Centres provide in-person care and are expanding across Australia.

There are also virtual care services in some areas. This includes advice on individualised assessment including whether to go to hospital.

Some community groups are led by peers rather than clinicians, such as Alternatives to Suicide.

How about if I’m rural or regional?

Accessing support in rural or regional areas is particularly tough.

Beyond helplines and formal supports, other options include local Suicide Prevention Networks and community initiatives such as ifarmwell and Men’s sheds.

Should I go to emergency?

As the new report shows, people who present at hospital emergency departments for mental health should expect long wait times before being admitted to a ward.

But going to a hospital emergency department will be essential for some who are experiencing a physical or mental health crisis.

Managing suicide-related distress

With the mass resignation of NSW psychiatrists looming, and amid shortages and blown-out emergency waiting times, people in suicide-related distress must receive the best available care and support.

Roughly nine Australians die by suicide each day. One in six have had thoughts of suicide at some point in their lives.

Suicidal thoughts can pass. There are evidence-based strategies people can immediately turn to when distressed and in need of ongoing care.

Safety planning is a popular suicide prevention strategy to help you stay safe.

What is a safety plan?

This is a personalised, step-by-step plan to remain safe during the onset or worsening of suicidal urges.

You can develop a safety plan collaboratively with a clinician and/or peer worker, or with loved ones. You can also make one on your own – many people like to use the Beyond Now app.

Safety plans usually include:

1. recognising personal warning signs of a crisis (for example, feeling like a burden)
2. identifying and using internal coping strategies (such as distracting yourself by listening to favourite music)
3. seeking social supports for distraction (for example, visiting your local library)
4. letting trusted family or friends know how you’re feeling – ideally, they should know they’re in your safety plan
5. knowing contact details of specific mental health services (your GP, mental health supports, local hospital)
6. making the environment safer by removing or limiting access to lethal means
7. identifying specific and personalised reasons for living.

Our research shows safety planning is linked to reduced suicidal thoughts and behaviour, as well as feelings of depression and hopelessness, among adults.

Evidence from people with lived experience shows safety planning helps people to understand their warning signs and practice coping strategies.

Are there helplines I can call?

There are people ready to listen, by phone or online chat, Australia-wide. You can try any of the following (most are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week):

Suicide helplines:

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

There is also specialised support:

• for men: MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
• children and young people: Kids’ Helpline 1800 55 1800
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: 13YARN 13 92 76
• veterans and their families: Open Arms 1800 011 046
• LGBTQIA+ community: QLife 1300 184 527
• new and expecting parents: PANDA 1300 726 306
• people experiencing eating disorders: Butterfly Foundation 1800 33 4673.

Additionally, each state and territory will have its own list of mental health resources.

With uncertain access to services, it’s helpful to remember that there are people who care. You don’t have to go it alone.

Monika Ferguson, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health, University of South Australia and Nicholas Procter, Professor and Chair: Mental Health Nursing, University of South Australia

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.