Tests for infections - influenza, COVID-19, RSV, strep throat and scarlet fever

Over-the-counter pharmacies offer self-tests at home to detect infections such as influenza, COVID-19, RSV, strep throat or scarlet fever. These tests can directly detect influenza A and B antigens, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 in nasal discharge or group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) in a throat swab. Thanks to this, they allow us to examine whether we are currently infected. The result is available after just a few minutes. There are also tests available in pharmacies that measure the concentration of CRP protein in the blood, which helps, m.in, to distinguish between a viral infection and a bacterial infection.