People will soon be able to self-test for both flu and COVID-19 in one fell swoop — without leaving their homes.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the first over-the-counter (OTC) home test that can detect both influenza A and B as well as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Using samples from a nasal swab, the Lucira COVID-19 & Flu Home Test provides results in around half an hour, the FDA said.
FACE MASKS MADE ‘LITTLE TO NO DIFFERENCE’ IN PREVENTING SPREAD OF COVID, SCIENTIFIC REVIEW FINDS
The single-use test does not require a doctor’s prescription.
"Today’s authorization of the first OTC test that can detect influenza A and B, along with SARS-CoV-2, is a major milestone in bringing greater consumer access to diagnostic tests that can be performed entirely at home," said Jeff Shuren, M.D., J.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, in a press release on the FDA's website.
"The FDA strongly supports innovation in test development, and we are eager to continue advancing greater access to at-home infectious disease testing to best support public health needs," he went on.
REMEMBER THE FEAR ABOUT FLU FLARE-UPS OVER THE HOLIDAYS? DIDN'T HAPPEN, SAYS CDC
"We remain committed to working with test developers to support the shared goal of getting more accurate and reliable tests to Americans who need them."
People 14 and older can collect their own nasal swab samples.
Adults will also be able to take samples from kids 2 and older.
The FDA recommends that those who test positive contact their doctor to report the results and receive follow-up care.
When testing people who had symptoms of respiratory infection, the Lucira COVID-19 & Flu Home Test showed 90.1% accuracy for detecting positive influenza A cases and 99.3% for negatives.
H/T Fox News (read more at FoxNews.com)
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Being Healthy News. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.