Winter Is Coming:

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in the number and types of diagnostic tests for respiratory viruses. These include targeted molecular assays, small molecular panels, large multiplex assays, and at-home antigen tests. Due to the rapid expansion in testing options, it can be challenging to know when to use various methods, how to interpret results, and what steps to take when evaluating a patient with a respiratory infection. In this presentation, the main technologies utilized to diagnose respiratory viral infections will be introduced, and possible algorithms for evaluating patients with respiratory disease will be highlighted. Patient cases will be used to demonstrate how various assays, including molecular and antigen-based tests, can be utilized and interpreted. Finally, important factors that may contribute to the severity of the 2023-2024 respiratory season—including viral variants and the availability of new vaccines/therapies—will be discussed.

 

Learning Objectives