The public has been reminded that no Influenza self-test kits have been approved by the Medical Device Authority (MDA) for public use.
Public Health Malaysia (PHM), through a post on its Facebook page, issued the warning after noticing an increasing number of influenza self-test kits being sold in the market and online.
“Attention to all employees and employers. Lately, more and more influenza self-test kits are being sold in the market and online,” the statement noted.
“However, it must be remembered that, so far, no influenza ‘self-test’ kits have been approved by the MDA.”
The statement stressed: “Diagnosis of influenza can only be confirmed by a doctor, based on clinical assessment and valid laboratory tests. You cannot self-confirm an influenza infection based only on the results of a kit purchased on Shopee or online.”
PHM stressed that there are no approved self-test kits for influenza because the result of a kit alone is not sufficient for diagnosis.
“Doctors need to conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including the level of symptoms, health history, and whether antiviral medication or further referral is necessary. Without careful examination, treatment can be mistaken or delayed,” it said.
Last Thursday, the Ministry of Health announced that all health facilities and personnel were prepared for any unexpected surge in cases involving influenza transmission.
KKM stated that the Emergency and Trauma Departments (A&E) in all KKM hospitals have implemented separate pathways for infectious and non-infectious disease patients to prevent transmission among patients and hospital-acquired infections.
Ministry of Health has also activated the Hospital Disaster Plan, including the establishment of disaster zones by providing more additional beds and internal mobilisation of personnel in the event of an unexpected case surge.
