What to know about combined, at-home COVID-19 and Flu testing

This winter, navigating respiratory illnesses just got easier with the FDA’s authorization of the first at-home combination tests for SARS-CoV-2 and the flu. Healgen® Scientific’s Rapid Check COVID-19/Flu A&B Antigen Test simplifies diagnosis by detecting both viruses simultaneously-no prescription needed. As flu season converges with ongoing COVID-19 cases and other respiratory illnesses, having a reliable tool for early detection is more important than ever. At Private Health Management (PHM), we’re committed to staying ahead of these advancements to support timely, effective care and better health outcomes.

Combination testing for the Flu and Covid-19
The Healgen test is the first available combination COVID-19 and flu test that has been granted marketing authorization, signifying that it has undergone more thorough safety and efficacy testing. Other similar tests that have not met these criteria are available under emergency-use authorization.

The test is approved for self-testing by individuals 14 and older, or by adults for children 2 and up. The authorization is based on data from a study of patients with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and flu, where the test correctly identified 92% of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples, and 92.5% and 90.5% of positive Flu A and Flu B samples, respectively.¹

Similar to at-home COVID-19 tests, combination testing involves collecting a sample using a nasal swab and analyzing it using a cassette. After 15 minutes the results are displayed as red or other colored lines, indicating positive results for Flu A, Flu B, and COVID-19.

The importance of testing for Flu and COVID-19
Since the symptoms of the flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses are often very similar, testing is the only way to know which virus you have. Additionally, treatments for the flu and COVID-19 work best if you take them within a specific time frame after symptoms begin. Thus, getting a clear, early diagnosis can help optimize the benefit of treatments, such as:

• Tamiflu®, an antiviral medication that targets the flu, is most effective if taken in the first 48-72 hours after symptoms begin. Tamiflu can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms and is available by prescription.^2,3
• Paxlovid™, the antiviral used to treat COVID-19, works best when taken within 5 days of testing positive. Paxlovid can reduce the severity and duration of COVID-19 symptoms and is available by prescription.^4,5

Rapid, accurate diagnosis of flu or COVID-19 can also prevent the spread of illness, especially when patients test at home instead of visiting a medical setting. It also informs patients that they should avoid contact with individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness, such as infants, older adults, and those who are immunocompromised.

References

1. Commissioner, O. of the. FDA Authorizes Marketing of First Home Flu and COVID-19 Combination Test Outside of Emergency Use Authorities. FDA https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-marketing-first-home-flu-and-covid-19-combination-test-outside-emergency-use (2024).
2. CDC. Treating Flu with Antiviral Drugs. Influenza (Flu) https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/antiviral-drugs.html (2024).
3. TAMIFLU® (oseltamivir phosphate).
4. CDC. COVID-19 Treatment Clinical Care for Outpatients. COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/outpatient-treatment.html (2024).
5. PAXLOVIDTM (nirmatrelvir tablets; ritonavir tablets) For HCPs. https://www.paxlovidhcp.com.