Lateral Flow Flu Test Could Prevent Overuse of Antibiotics

Swiss giant Roche claims its latest innovation in the lucrative testing market can distinguish between Covid and Flu and potentially prevent hospital admissions

The logo of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche is seen in Basel in a file photograph. Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty Images

A 30-minute flu test being trialed in care homes could help stop doctors from over-prescribing antibiotics as well as preventing hospital admissions by treating the illness in more vulnerable people earlier.

The lateral flow tests, which are said to work in the same way as COVID-19 kits by using saliva samples, are being trialed in care homes in the Yorkshire and Humber region.