COVID-19 and Flu Test: When Should It Be Taken and How Should the Results Be Interpreted?

The new dual self-test is now available and, in just 10 minutes, identifies possible cases of Covid-19 and Flu A and B. In today’s post, we explain how to carry out the Covid-19 and flu test step by step and how to interpret the possible results. Keep reading!The steps to follow to carry out this test are very similar to those for theCovid-19 self-test, with the difference that this one can also detecta possible case of Flu A+B.This is a major step forward in healthcare, as some of thesymptoms of both coronavirus and flu are very similarand can easily cause confusion. What’s more, in just 10 minutes thisrapid testwill tell us whether the symptoms are due to Covid-19, Flu A or Flu B.

New self-test for Covid and Flu: what does it include?

The Covid-19 and Flu A+B test, available in pharmacies and online pharmacies, includes the following items:

• Sterile swab: nasal item inserted into both nostrils of the patient (between 2 and 3 cm) using the fibre tip to collect the sample.
• Extraction solution: liquid that, when in contact with the sterile swab, detects whether the patient is positive or negative for Coronavirus, Flu type A or type B.
• Self-test cassette: for both Covid-19 detection and Flu A+B detection, which shows the test result when it comes into contact with the extraction solution, in approximately 10 minutes.

When should the COVID-19 and Flu self-test be taken?

This self-testis recommended if symptoms such as nasal congestion, headache or fever appear. However, there are cases in which the sample obtained may give an error (no line appears on the test cassette, or only the letters A and B are marked, or only the T) when the viral load is low, even if infection is present, or when this test is carried out without any symptoms, as indicated by the AEMPS. Therefore, if thisnew Coronavirus and Flu self-testis negative or the result is invalid, but there are symptoms suggesting there may be an infection, our recommendation is tosee a specialist to repeat the test.

What should be taken into account when carrying out the Covid and flu test?

In addition to seeing a specialist if the test gives an error or the symptoms persist even though the result is negative, as we have just mentioned, other important points when carrying out this test are:

• Disinfect your handsand the area where the instruments that make up theCovid-19 and Flu A+B self-testwill be placed.
• To make sample collection more reliable, it is advisable toblow your nose before carrying out the test and insert the swab into both nostrils(approximately 2 cm) and rotate it 10 to 15 times against the nasal wall.
• After collecting the sample,the swab should be inserted into the extraction tube, touching the bottom and stirring it so that it mixes well with the solution.
• Whenreading the result on the cassette, which is usually available after around 10 minutes, it is not recommended to read it after 20 minutes or more, as it may lose effectiveness.
• If the patient is a baby, although there are no contraindications regarding its use, it is advisable for a specialist to carry out the test.
• If you have any doubts about its use or theinterpretation of the result,you can read the instructions included with theCovid-19 and Flu A+B self-test.

Covid and Flu test results: how should they be interpreted?

Antigen tests are rapid tests that detect the presence of specific proteins on the surface of the virus. Combining both tests in our duo test will help you simultaneously detect a possible infection with COVID-19 and/or flu A/B. This test is very useful in situations where it is important to distinguish between the two infections, as the symptoms may overlap. Once the self-test has been carried out, below we show the results for theinterpretation of the Covid and flu test:If you see that you have had apositive Covid or flu resulton the test, we recommend taking the appropriate measures to minimise transmission to those around you, such as wearing masks in public places, maximising hygiene measures and avoiding direct contact with others.

Where can you buy the Covid-19 and Flu A+B test?

Only online pharmacies accredited to sell healthcare products and non-prescription medicines, such as Farmaciasdirect, have thisCoronavirus and Flu self-testin our online catalogue. In addition, we have aCovid-19 categorymade up of a wide variety of products that help protect against infection, such asFFP2 masks,hand sanitising gels,disposable glovesorCoronavirus detection tests.