New Covid Tests Are Here. They Test for Flu, Too.

Once again this winter, millions of Americans will wonder if a persistent cough or body aches are a sign of the coronavirus or the flu. This time, they’ll have expanded tools to get answers without leaving home.

There are currently nine at-home tests that can detect coronavirus and influenza at the same time. Many of the tests available for sale over the counter have only been approved within the past six months.

“It’s a really big change in what’s available,” said Dr. Gregory Martin, a professor at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved most combination tests for coronavirus and influenza under emergency protocols for 2023 and 2024. Officially recognized as an agent The first of these combination tests was conducted by healthcare device company Healgen under a traditional, more rigorous approval process.

Combination tests look and function very similar to traditional home Covid tests, and are easy to use and fast, often providing results within 15 minutes. Most tests are only slightly more expensive than regular coronavirus tests, typically around $30 for a two-pack, but may not be covered by insurance.

Doctors say combination tests could become essential as we head into the colder months and peak virus season, but only if more people know they will use them or if they exist in the first place. It states that this is limited to cases where the person is aware of the