Pfizer’s 2-in 1 At-Home Test Enables Convenient Testing for both COVID-19 and the Flu

When we think of winter, hot chocolate, cozy fireplaces, and catching up with friends and family often come to mind. But 'tis also peak respiratory virus season¹, with viruses like the flu and COVID-19 making the rounds at holiday parties and gatherings everywhere. To further complicate matters, symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu present very similarly: fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and body aches². These similarities in symptoms can make it difficult for people to differentiate between the viruses and for healthcare professionals to diagnose without testing³. 

Testing remains an essential diagnostic tool; an earlier diagnosis can lead to earlier care or treatment if you are sick^4,5,6. It can also help prevent you from unintentionally spreading illness to family and friends^7,8. We at Pfizer know that sometimes you may not want to or be able to rush to the doctor for testing when you are not feeling your best. We’re now expanding your testing options with the availability of a test that can be taken in the convenience of your home. 

Now available for purchase, Pfizer’s 2-in-1 at-home test enables families to initially test and get results for COVID-19 or the flu viruses (Flu A or Flu B) without the need to wait in line, head to a doctor’s office, or sit around a crowded waiting room. The test can also be taken on the go, whether you are headed on vacation or to stay with family for the holidays. Once you have your test results in hand, you can discuss next steps with your doctor and get a quick start on a care plan.

With this test, people can quickly receive important health information with a single swab. “Our main goal with this single test for COVID-19 and Flu (A/B) is to meet patients where they are, by helping facilitate convenient access to testing. Our at-home test can now be purchased in Amazon’s store,” said Meaghan Jones, Vice President and Diagnostics Business Lead at Pfizer. “Bringing our COVID-19 and Flu (A/B) test to the hands of people across the country marks an exciting foray for Pfizer into the diagnostics space and complements our growing respiratory and infectious disease portfolio and pipeline.” 

At Pfizer, we believe in comprehensive solutions to help tackle peak respiratory health season head-on, and our toolbox continues to expand. In addition to vaccinations and treatments, Pfizer now has a diagnostic test that can put important health information directly in your hands.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Respiratory Disease Season Outlook - Summary. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/2023-2024-season-outlook.html. Last updated September 14, 2023. Accessed on November 20, 2023.  
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm. Last updated September 28, 2022. Accessed on November 20, 2023. 
3. National Institutes of Health. Influenza and COVID-19. https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/special-populations/influenza/. Last updated October 10, 2023. Accessed November 20, 2023. 
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Last updated September 25, 2023. Accessed November 20, 2023. 
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu Treatment. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/index.html. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Last updated October 11, 2022. Accessed November 20, 2023 
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diagnosing Flu. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/testing.htm. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Last Updated October 3, 2022. Accessed November 20, 2023. 
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Last updated May 11, 2023. Accessed November 20, 2023. 
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/takingcare.htm. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Last updated December 15, 2022. Accessed November 20, 2023.