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That tickle in your throat, the sudden fatigue, a nagging cough. When summer colds or seasonal allergies strike, brushing off those initial symptoms can be easy. However, with both COVID-19 and the flu still circulating, those familiar sniffles could suggest a potential infection.

At first glance, COVID-19 and the flu seem similar. Both can bring on a fever, a persistent cough, overwhelming fatigue, a scratchy sore throat, and unwelcome body aches.

Also, just like those common summer sniffles, they spread in similar ways, mainly through the tiny droplets we release when we cough, sneeze, or talk. Because the symptoms can overlap so much, it's often tricky to know exactly what's going on without a little more information.

Even though the symptoms could be similar, understanding whether it could be related to COVID-19 or the flu can help you make more informed decisions about what to do next.

Understanding the symptoms

Both COVID-19 and the flu can present with similar symptoms, but there are some differences worth noting.

Fever is common with both illnesses. In COVID-19, it can be high, while in the flu, it is also often high.

Cough is usually dry in COVID-19 but can be either dry or productive with the flu.

Fatigue is often significant in COVID-19 and can also be significant in flu cases.

Sore throat is a common symptom of both COVID-19 and the flu.

Body aches are common in both, but they are often more severe with the flu.

Headaches are frequently reported with both illnesses.

Runny or stuffy nose tends to be less common in the early stages of COVID-19 but may develop later. It is more commonly seen with the flu.

Loss of taste or smell is more commonly associated with COVID-19, while it's less common in flu cases.

Shortness of breath is more common in COVID-19, particularly in more severe cases, and is less common with the flu.

Diarrhoea or vomiting can occur with COVID-19 and are more commonly seen in children with the flu than in adults.

Understanding how these symptoms overlap and differ can help guide your response when feeling unwell, especially during flu and COVID seasons.

The role of rapid testing

Rapid tests are designed to pick up specific little markers (antigens) from the virus in a sample, usually taken from your nose or throat. They often give you results within about 15 to 30 minutes.

Instead of scheduling appointments or waiting for results to come back from a lab, a rapid test puts the power to gain insights into your health right in your hands, whether at home or work.

The introduction of combined tests that can check for both COVID-19 and Influenza A/B from a single sample is a valuable step forward. Access to a quick and reliable way to get insights, like our COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and Influenza A/B Rapid Test Kit, means you or your team can gain them easily and discreetly.

Suppose your rapid test indicates a potential infection. In that case, you may want to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss further steps, including a more sensitive PCR test for confirmation.

Convenience and privacy at home

With an at-home COVID and Flu test, you can collect your sample and get your results in your own space, maintaining your comfort.

This is especially helpful for those who have difficulty getting around, have packed schedules, or prefer the discretion of testing at home. The process is designed to be user-friendly, with clear instructions included in each kit, making the whole experience smooth and straightforward.

How does an at-home combined test work?

Using an at-home COVID-19 and Flu test is generally very straightforward, much like using a standard rapid COVID-19 test. While the exact steps might vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, here’s a general idea of what’s involved:

1. Prep: Place the collection tube in the holder and remove its film. Open the swab packaging carefully.
2. Swab nose: Gently insert the swab about 1.5 cm into each nostril, rotating 5 times in each. Remove the swab.
3. Insert swab in tube: Place the swab in the collection tube. Rotate firmly, touching all sides, for about 10 seconds.
4. Remove swab: Gently remove the swab, pressing against the tube to release liquid. Seal the tube with the cap.
5. Apply to cassette: Open the test cassette pouch. Remove the cap from the specimen tube and carefully add 3 drops of liquid into the cassette well.
6. Interpreting results: Read the lines that appear on the test cassette using the guide provided in the instructions. If your result suggests a potential infection, follow up with a healthcare professional for further guidance and possible confirmation with a PCR test.

These kits are designed with simplicity in mind, ensuring that anyone can confidently perform the test using the guides provided.

This focus on user-friendliness is a key part of making health testing accessible to everyone. Remember, the information provided by these tests is a helpful tool, but consulting with a medical professional is always the best course of action for any health concerns.

Reliability you can trust

When it comes to your health, it’s important to be sure that the information you’re getting is reliable. That’s why our tests, including the at-home COVID and Flu tests, come from manufacturers who adhere to strict quality standards.

Reliable tests typically have a CE mark, which means they meet the relevant health and safety standards.

While rapid tests might not be as sensitive as laboratory-based PCR tests, especially if someone has a very low amount of the virus, they help detect the virus when someone is most infectious and showing symptoms.

Understanding the reliability of the tests you use is an integral part of making informed decisions about your health.

Beyond the test kit

Getting your test result is an essential first step in understanding a potential infection. At Rezure Health, we aim to provide more than just test kits; we want to offer tools that contribute to better overall health management.

While at-home COVID and Flu tests can suggest a potential infection, it’s also helpful to think about your general well-being. A healthcare professional can advise on the next steps if a rapid test indicates an infection.

Being aware of the common symptoms of respiratory illnesses and having a plan for when symptoms appear, including having an at-home COVID and Flu test ready, puts you in a better position to manage your health effectively.

Whether it's a summer sniffle or something more, readily available testing can help you navigate those uncertain moments with greater clarity and peace of mind.