Chewing gum flu test could detect the virus through flavor before symptoms strike

An experimental flu test could detect the virus right on the tip of your tongue Researchers in Germany have potentially discovered a new way to spot influenza through an edible test potentially like a piece of gum or a thin film When someone pops the test in their mouth chemical sensors will either produce a taste or not signaling the presence of an infection COVID- INFECTION JEOPARDY CUT 'SIGNIFICANTLY' WITH SIMPLE NASAL SPRAY RESEARCH FINDSThe scientists created a tiny molecule that reacts only when the flu virus enzyme called neuraminidase is present This is the enzyme that infects and spreads The presence of the virus in the mouth or saliva will trigger this reaction release thymol a flavor compound and produce a strong taste If no virus is present there will not be any flavor the researchers described This approach could help detect the flu before signs arise allowing the client to take necessary precautions and avoid spreading the virus COULD DENTAL FLOSS BE THE NEXT VACCINE METHOD SCIENTISTS SAY IT COULD WORK There is an urgent need for readily manufacturable easily supplied and straightforward first-line defense tools the researchers wrote about the analysis These tools could fleetly help identify individuals at threat of carrying influenza so they can be moved into quarantine The researchers designed the test through computer models to only react to flu viruses instead of bacteria or other germs according to the scrutiny which was published in the journal ACS Central Science The sensor was tested in the saliva of hospitalized late-stage patients with the flu In these samples thymol was detected within minutes The experimental approach is still in early stages and requires clinical testing to ensure safety and accuracy especially in an at-home setting CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR WELLBEING NEWSLETTER Future clinical trials should confirm our evidence with patient-reported outcomes for taste sensations differentiating performances in our sensor in pre- and post-symptomatic stages the scientists commented Future sensor designs could further reduce the amount of required sensors or the time it takes to perceive a taste sensation In a brief announcement sent to Fox News Digital Fox News senior anatomical analyst Dr Marc Siegel expressed that he loves this idea if accuracy can be verified in repeated testing As flu season approaches the virus continues to be one of the bulk common and contagious diseases The flu causes about deaths in the U S every year in addition to million illnesses and hospitalizations according to the Centers for Affection Control and Prevention For more Fitness articles visit www foxnews com healthThe flu is at the moment diagnosed via nasal or throat swab tests which just became available for over-the-counter use last year