The FDA grants emergency use authorization for a combination flu and COVID home test so you can check to see what’s causing your symptoms. LSU Health New Orleans Genetics Specialist Dr. Lucio Miele said it’s a molecular test that gives you results in 30 minutes and is almost as sensitive as a PCR that is sent to a lab for results.
“It is a significant step forward in our ability to monitor for these respiratory viruses which are continuing to go around,” said Miele.
It’s not just a two-for-one test, Miele said it’s a three-for-one because it can detect if you have either Flu A or B and even if you have both COVID and the flu. And because COVID is still circulating and both flu and COVID vaccines are formulated for specific variants he said you should always report your test results to your physician.
“It’s a great advance the fact that we are able to monitor for these viruses, but doctors do need to know which variant of the virus this is and this is valid for both influenza and the COVID virus,” said Miele.
The combination test, Miele said has only been evaluated among individuals who have symptoms of the flu or COVID.
“So, if you don’t have any symptoms, and have been exposed to either COVID or influenza and want to know if you’ve caught it, this is not the right test,” said Miele.
A prescription is not required for the Lucira COVID-19 and Flu Home test.
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