Assessing the accuracy of influenza diagnosis by community pharmacists

Results Out of 217 subjects, pharmacists diagnosed 53 with influenza and, of these, 27 were confirmed virologically (positive predictive value of 51%). A raised temperature measured at presentation did not improve diagnostic accuracy. 21 (40%) of the 53 diagnosed influenza cases and 69 (32%) of all 217 subjects presented within 48 hours of symptom onset. In subjects presenting within 48 hours, a total symptom score exceeding 10 (39 subjects) was associated with confirmed flu in 38%, compared with a total score less than 10 (30 subjects) associated with confirmed influenza in only 20%.