The twins arrived in Greece Self assessment test from coronavirus and flu, which are now available in Thessaloniki pharmacies.

These are well-known diagnostic tests, with the difference that they can simultaneously detect both coronavirus and influenza type A and / or type B.

Tests are done in the same way, they just have two sample slots (we drop a drop of liquid for coronavirus and one for flu) and two indicators.

In the case of a positive result, a red line will appear under the letter T in the first field of the coronavirus, and in the case of influenza, if it is type B, the line will appear on this letter and, if it is type A, on the corresponding letter.

Speaking to ERT, Michalis Zannetos, treasurer of the Pharmaceutical Association of Thessaloniki, stressed that citizens can buy this test and make it themselves at home, while pharmacists cannot make it to customers in their store.

“Both coronavirus and influenza viruses can cause health problems, especially in vulnerable groups, so it is important that someone knows in advance if they have these two viruses,” he said.

People are still unaware of the existence of duplicate tests, he said, although demand may slowly increase.

“The flu is still at a low level. Of course, this is at a high level compared to other years. During the summer alone, we had almost five times more flu cases than in previous years, but they are still at a low level. We expect a surge in the near future,” said Mr. Zannetos.

He concluded: “Currently, some other respiratory infections are more common than the common cold. There is an increase in the number of cases that we receive in pharmacies for respiratory viruses, not only for Covid, but for viruses of the respiratory system in general. People also ask for various other drugs to deal with the symptoms caused by these viruses, in the context of self-care, such as cough, sore throat, they buy some vitamins to strengthen their immunity.”