Dr Sanjay Gupta:

After hearing your discussion on a H1N1 tragedy today at CNN Larry King Live on Nov 2nd (parent who lost 6 year old daughter, my deepest condolence to the family).

I have great concern about failing to detect or delayed diagnosis of H1N1 like in her case. Most doctors do not reccommend H1N1 test which cost $200 and takes few days and I understand in many cases it may not be worth a try.

Is it true there is no test to detect positively H1N1 within 24 hrs? We are the world's leading scientific and innovative country and I am bit surprised.

Q. I would also like to know if "Strep throat" can in some way mask the onset symptom/detection or diagnosis of H1N1.

Is there any interaction between the two. I believe both doctors and parent need to know if there is a correlation so as to look out for masking effect of Strep over H1N1 for crucial first 24-48 hours.

As I heard your discussion on air that there is a second wave of fever which is a red flag which is caused by a secondary bacterial infection Staph not strep, however low grade fever is initial onset for both Strep throat and H1N1.  I am not sure but a strep throat can distract doctor's diagnosis and tratment  for crucial 24 to 48 hours from managing H1N1

I appreciate a discussion if this seem important.

Thanks for your valuable time.