FDA Approves At-Home Test for Both COVID and the Flu

FDA Approves At-Home Test for Both COVID and the Flu
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COVID-19 and the flu are both respiratory illnesses that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headaches. They are both spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, and can lead to severe illness and even death, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.

However, there are important differences between the two. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, while the flu is caused by different types of influenza viruses. COVID-19 is generally more contagious than the flu and can spread from asymptomatic carriers. COVID-19 can cause more severe illness and has a higher mortality rate, particularly in older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Additionally, COVID-19 appears to have more long-term effects, including respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular issues.

Lucira Health creates a new test

The FDA authorized an at-home test made by Lucira Health that can detect if a person has the flu and/or Covid-19 with high accuracy, as CNN reveals. The test uses a single nasal swab and provides results in about half an hour.It is available for individuals of 14 years old and older for self-collection. Also, an adult can give it to a child 2 or older.

The test is highly accurate in detecting negative flu and Covid-19 results, with positive results being slightly less accurate. While false positive or negative results are possible, the FDA advises those who test positive to take precautions and those who test negative to confirm with a lab test if necessary.

Jeff Shuren, M.D., J.D., and the director of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the FDA, stated:

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.

Lucira Health is a biotechnology company based in California, USA, that develops and produces diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. The company focuses on developing tests that can be performed at home or in a doctor’s office, enabling faster and more convenient testing for patients.


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Even since he was a child, Cristian was staring curiously at the stars, wondering about the Universe and our place in it. Today he's seeing his dream come true by writing about the latest news in astronomy. Cristian is also glad to be covering health and other science topics, having significant experience in writing about such fields.

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