Exclusive content for digital subscribersFollow us on social networks:Is it covid or the flu?: This is how the new antigen tests already sold by Asturian pharmacies work VIDEO: Amor Domínguez/ PHOTO: Irma CollínTo watch this video, subscribe to La Nueva España or log in if you are already a subscriber.Are you already premium?Start your session hereIs it covid or flu?: This is how the new antigen tests already sold by Asturian pharmacies work Amor DomínguezNews saved in your profileThe covid-19 pandemic made antigen tests an essential product in any medicine cabinet.Now, with autumn just released, the new tests that allow SARS-CoV-2, the influenza A virus and the influenza virus to be diagnosed at once and with a single sample have already arrived at Asturian pharmacies. B. Its operation is exactly the same as that of the covid self-test rapid tests: a sample is collected – nasal or saliva – and four drops are poured into a cassette.In less than 15 minutes, the positive or negative result of each virus is marked on its determination line.Pharmacist Cristina Braña Alonso performs the test.|Irma CollinAlthough coinfections are not the most common, they also indicate if there is a simultaneous infection.The current maximum price of these combined tests is 2.94 euros.As was the case with the covid antigen tests, it is recommended to do it when the symptoms appear: congestion, general tiredness, cough, sore throat, headache, sneezing... During the first seven days of infection, the tests they are more accurate.Is it covid or flu?Combined antigen tests respond in 15 minutes"People have already come to be interested in these tests because, after the summer break, the time of the highest peak of flu infection is approaching," explains the pharmacist from Oviedo and member of the College of Pharmacists of Asturias, Cristina Braña Alonso."It is something new: we can know if we are infected with one thing or another for our peace of mind," adds the apothecary.Pharmacist Cristina Braña Alonso holds one of the new combined antigen tests.|Irma CollinVirologists predict that this season will see a higher incidence of flu as it is the first winter without restrictions and with most of the population without immunity after two years of wearing masks to protect themselves from covid.For this reason, experts recommend wearing a face mask in case of presenting respiratory symptoms and staying indoors with other people."With this test we are going to know the cause of the pathology that we suffer from and we can take the appropriate isolation measures. We have to be aware that they are respiratory viruses and the use of the mask can prevent the contagion from being massive," confirms Cristina Braña.If anything has been shown in this time, it is that viruses are unpredictable.Consequently, experts recommend getting vaccinated against the flu as well.News saved in your profileNews saved in your profileNews saved in your profileNews saved in your profileEditorial Prensa Asturiana, SA All rights reserved