Breaking: FDA Finally Lets Us Swab Our Noses at Home!

In a groundbreaking move that's about as surprising as finding a Trump supporter at a climate change rally, the Food and Drug Administration has finally authorized a COVID-19 and flu test that you can use without a prescription. Hallelujah!

So, what's the deal with this nasal swab miracle? It sniffs out the proteins from SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A and B, aka the viruses behind COVID-19 and the flu. Thanks, Healgen Scientific LLC, for letting us stick something up our noses in the comfort of our own homes.

And get this—right after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that households can grab four free COVID-19 tests, flu season decides to make an entrance in October. What timing!

Dr. Michelle Tarver, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, dropped some wisdom in a statement: “As we enter this year’s annual flu season with respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 on many of our minds, our ability to detect these pathogens effectively and efficiently can be impactful on our daily lives.” No kidding, doc.

“(Monday)’s authorization expands the options for individuals with respiratory symptoms to receive information about their health from the comfort of their home,” Tarver added. Because who doesn't love a good nose swab while binge-watching Netflix?

Who Can Stick It Up Their Nose?

Anyone 14 or older can DIY this nasal swab test, and kids as young as 2 can join the fun with adult supervision. Dr. Archelle Georgiou, former chair of the Board of Directors at Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, basically said it's a win-win for everyone. Less ER visits, less strain on the medical system. Yay, capitalism!

The Test Results Are In...

Data from the study shows the test nailed these results:

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 virus): 99% of negative and 92% of positive samples.
• Flu (Influenza A and B): 99.9% of negative; 92.5% and 90.5% of positive Flu A and Flu B samples, respectively.

Impressive, right? It's like the test aced its SATs.

How Long 'Til We Know?

Results in just 15 minutes! Perfect for those of us who can't wait to find out if we're contagious or just really terrible at social distancing.

When to Swab?

FDA says take the test if you've got respiratory symptoms. Because coughing up a lung shouldn't be your only clue.

Where and When to Buy?

Healgen promises tests will hit the shelves by Thanksgiving. You can snag them at:

• Amazon
• CVS

And other retail outlets, because why not spread the viral love? Healthcare providers can grab them from distributors too.

Bryan Fang, Healgen's president, called this a "significant milestone." Translation: We're gonna make bank off your sniffles.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY, covering everything from car recalls to public policy. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.