The FDA has cleared the first over-the-counter at-home test that can detect RSV, influenza A, influenza B, and COVID-19 using a single nasal swab—and it’s approved for use in children as young as 6 months. The Flowflex Plus 4-in-1 test from ACON Laboratories allows families to identify common respiratory infections quickly, without the need for a clinic visit.
This clearance is especially significant as RSV remains a leading cause of hospitalization in young children. Until now, RSV testing for infants required clinical evaluation. The new test is designed to help caregivers distinguish between respiratory illnesses that often share similar symptoms, supporting earlier decision-making around monitoring symptoms, seeking care, and taking precautions to protect vulnerable household members.
Results are available within minutes, and the test is now widely available nationwide at major retail pharmacies. While at-home testing does not replace medical care, this development reflects a broader shift toward more accessible, home-based diagnostic tools—particularly during peak respiratory virus season.
Resource: FDA clears first at-home test to detect RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 in infants as young as 6 months