The combined tests that differentiate flu from covid reach pharmacies – El Comercio: Diario de Asturias

The combined self-diagnosis tests allow covid to be differentiated from the influenza A and B viruses. / Arnaldo García The self-diagnosis tests are exclusively for sale in pharmacies and can detect the positive of several pathogens at the same time The combined self-diagnosis tests already allow to differentiate the covid of influenza A and B viruses. In fact, they can detect the positive of several of these pathogens at the same time, in the event that there is a simultaneous infection. From now on, these tests will make it possible to distinguish the symptoms of these pathologies from those of the common cold. “They are exclusively for sale in pharmacies, so you should not buy them through other channels,” warns the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS). The World Health Organization (WHO) expects an increase in coronavirus cases in autumn and winter, although it rules out a severe impact due to the high percentage of the vaccinated population. However, in the case of the flu, virologists predict that this winter there will be a higher incidence of flu, as it is the first without restrictions and most of the population has lost its immunity due to the use of masks. What price do they have? All SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests that can be marketed in Spain have a maximum price of 2.94 euros per unit, according to Spanish legislation. How are the covid and flu tests used? Its operation is the same as the well-known antigen tests that we have been using since the pandemic. That is, a nasal sample is collected by gently inserting the swab tip 2-3 cm into one nostril for several rotations, and the same procedure is performed in the other. The tip is then inserted into the tube supplied in the sample collection tube, which contains a liquid. It is pressed to the maximum to extract the greatest amount of sample from the cotton with which the sample was taken and finally a few drops of this mixture are poured into the indicated hole of the device. It is enough to wait 15 minutes to know the result. A “control” line (C) should appear painted, which guarantees that the correct functioning of the test is working correctly, otherwise it would have to be carried out again. In addition to the control line, as many other marks as positive viruses may appear. For example, if you are positive for covid, only the SARS-CoV-2 line will appear painted, but if you have influenza B and covid, two lines would be marked. The manufacturers recommend that you carefully read the instructions that accompany the test as some steps may vary slightly, although the test is simple enough to be done at home, without professional supervision. How do antigen tests work? These tests identify the presence of proteins from the indicated viruses, COVID-19, influenza A or influenza B. Due to a chemical reaction, the stripe is tinted by detecting the presence of a specific antigen. Therefore, it is convenient to do it during the first seven days after infection, when the viral load is at its peak. The test results are reliable, but there are several reasons why a test can result in a ‘false negative’: that the sample has been taken incorrectly, that the infection is too recent and the viral load is still low… If they exist reasonable doubts, it is best to repeat the test or consult the medical services.