🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 52 (from laksa019)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa052.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/wellness/home-test-kits-flu-covid-options-470351\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/wellness/home-test-kits-flu-covid-options-470351\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/wellness\/home-test-kits-flu-covid-options-470351","crawl_time":1772696036,"first_indexed_time":0,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,channelnewsasia!cnalifestyle,\/wellness\/home-test-kits-flu-covid-options-470351 s443","src_root_hash":"1634665239178586252","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"3-in-1 self-test kits: Why it’s worth getting to find out if you have the flu or COVID-19 - CNA Lifestyle","meta_descriptions":["Identify if it's influenza A, B or COVID-19 with 3-in-1 ART kits. Learn why quick home testing helps you get the right treatment and protect loved ones."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Wellness\nKnowing what viral infection you have can mean getting the right antiviral medication and taking the right precautions, especially if you have vulnerable family members at home.\n(Photo: iStock\/Pony Wang)\nNew: You can now listen to articles.\nThis audio is generated by an AI tool.\nJust when you thought you’re well stocked with antigen rapid test or ART kits, you spot a new hybrid on the pharmacy shelves – three-in-one ART kits that not only test for COVID-19, but also influenza A and B.\nNow, why would you need to know whether your sniffles are caused by influenza A or B? Wouldn’t taking an MC, popping a paracetamol and sleeping the flu off usually take care of things? We find out why it is important to make the distinction between influenza A and B – and why you may find more such three-in-one ART kits in the stores.\nWHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA A AND B?\nThere are actually not just two but four influenza viruses in total – A, B, C and D – and they’re the causes behind their respective influenza types. However, less focus is placed on influenza C and D. That’s because influenza C infections “generally cause mild illness”, while the D type primarily affects cattle, according to the\nUS Centers For Disease Control And Prevention\n.\n“Influenza A and B viruses are more concerning,” said Professor Paul Tambyah, a professor of medicine and the deputy chair of the Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme at National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.\nOf the two, “influenza A tends to be a bit more serious than influenza B”, said Prof Tambyah. Although influenza B tends to cause more muscle aches, influenza A can lead to\nhigher risks of developing pneumonia\n, he said. Influenza A is also responsible for flu outbreaks and pandemics.\n(Photo: iStock\/Pornpak Khunatorn)\nWHICH INFLUENZA TYPE DO WE COMMONLY HAVE IN SINGAPORE?\n\"Although influenza A tends to be more commonly found here, both viruses circulate quite widely,\" said Prof Tambyah, citing the\nlatest report by the Ministry Of Health\n. \"It shows that influenza A accounted for 78 per cent of the influenza cases detected in July with influenza B accounting for 12 per cent.\" However, this breakdown varies from month to month. \nAs for the annual flu season that you often hear about, it is different in Singapore and other tropical countries, said Associate Professor Barnaby Young, a senior consultant at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. While temperate regions have a distinct flu season usually in winter, “it is much more complex and varies from year to year” in Singapore.\n“Typically, we experience two peaks a year – one from about December to March, and another from May to August,” said Assoc Prof Young. But beyond those two periods, influenza viruses also circulate and cause year-round infections, he said.\nWHY DO YOU NEED TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA A AND B, AND COVID-19?\nDifferentiating between influenza and COVID-19 can mean prescribing the right antiviral medication, said Assoc Prof Young. Oseltamivir is used for both influenza A and B, while Paxlovid is for COVID-19. “These can help speed recovery and reduce the risk of developing a severe illness,” he said, useful when you have very young ones or elderly folks at home.\nBut if that’s the case, why didn’t your family doctor perform an in-clinic test on you back before self-test kits were available? Even now, you’re often sent home with an MC and some medicine. No swabbing, nothing taken.\n(Photo: iStock\/Memorystockphoto)\nFor most treatments, said Assoc Prof Young, medications such as paracetamol, antihistamines and cough medicine may be sufficient to treat the symptoms, and “there is no need to know exactly what virus is causing the infection”.\nOther reasons are the cost of the in-clinic test kits and the time involved in testing. “Testing for different viruses requires sending off a swab to a lab, with the results only coming back one to two days later. And this lab test may be expensive,” said Assoc Prof Young.\nAnd that’s where these three-in-one self-test kits can come in handy, said Prof Tambyah. “Both influenza and COVID-19 are more serious than common colds, so for the patient, it is good to know which virus they are infected with.”\nThey are also useful when you have elderly relatives at home. “You might need to be a bit more alert with influenza A than influenza B,\" he said. It is also more crucial to differentiate for “patients who would not ordinarily be isolated or hospitalised”, and potentially spread a highly contagious virus.\nHOW DO THESE THREE-IN-ONE TEST KITS WORK? HOW DO YOU CHOOSE?\nThe hybrid kits contain three different antigens that react to influenza A and B antibodies as well as SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in your nasal sample. If positive, a line would appear next to the relevant viral infection in the cartridge’s window, much like how the usual ART kits for COVID-19 work.\n(Photo: iStock\/wichayada suwanachun)\n“However, they are less sensitive, so while a positive result gives us confidence that a particular virus is causing the infection, a negative result needs to be interpreted more carefully,” said Assoc Prof Young. This is because a negative test result does not mean you don't have an infection; there are many other viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory symptoms that are not covered by these three-in-one kits, he said.\n“Even with a negative result, it is important to take protective measures such as avoiding crowded areas, wearing a mask if you have to go out, and taking time off work,” advised Assoc Prof Young. \nThere are several brands available in the pharmacies and online – as well as a kit that is being developed locally by Singapore-based company Cellbae. Funded by the Integrated Innovations In Infectious Diseases or I3D grant awarded by the National Medical Research Council, the prototype is currently being tested on students and staff from the National University of Singapore with flu-like illnesses. No commercial release date has been provided yet.\nWith some options to choose from, how do you decide? “As long as the kit has been approved by the local health authorities, it would have met the necessary standards for quality and accuracy,” said Assoc Prof Young.\n“Some kits are easier to use than others, and some may even test for additional viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus – a four-in-one test,” he said. “But otherwise, the general public can opt for the cheapest option.\nSource: CNA\/bk","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/wellness\/home-test-kits-flu-covid-options-470351#main-content)\n\n[![Logo](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/sites\/cnalifestyle\/themes\/mc_cnalifestyle_theme\/images\/logo.svg?v=1)](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/)\n\n## CNAR Search Menu\n- Search\n\nSign In\n\n- [Sign In](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/profile\/login)\n- [Account](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/profile)\n\n- [CNA](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/)\n- [Lifestyle](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/)\n- [Luxury](https:\/\/cnaluxury.channelnewsasia.com\/)\n- [TODAY](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/today)\n## CNAR Lifestyle Secondary Menu\n- [Entertainment](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/entertainment)\n  Id\n  \n  173691\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n  - [Celebrity](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/celebrity)\n    Id\n    \n    13961\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Culture & Trends](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/culture-trends)\n    Id\n    \n    18441\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Music](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/music)\n    Id\n    \n    14081\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Television & Movies](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/television-movies)\n    Id\n    \n    14581\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n- [Women](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/women)\n  Id\n  \n  173721\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n  - [Women's Health](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/womens-health)\n    Id\n    \n    17916\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Women's Life](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/womens-life)\n    Id\n    \n    14781\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Women's Style](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/womens-style)\n    Id\n    \n    14571\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Women's Voices](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/womens-voices)\n    Id\n    \n    14691\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n- [Wellness](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/wellness)\n  Id\n  \n  173716\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n  - [Fitness](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/fitness)\n    Id\n    \n    18426\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Health](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/health)\n    Id\n    \n    14376\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Wellbeing](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/wellbeing)\n    Id\n    \n    14776\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n- [Living](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/living)\n  Id\n  \n  173696\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n  - [Homes](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/homes)\n    Id\n    \n    14701\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Career](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/career)\n    Id\n    \n    14791\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Money](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/money)\n    Id\n    \n    14706\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Tech](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/tech)\n    Id\n    \n    14621\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n- [Style & Beauty](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/style)\n  Id\n  \n  173711\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n  - [Beauty](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/beauty)\n    Id\n    \n    14126\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Fashion](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/fashion)\n    Id\n    \n    14201\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Accessories](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/accessories)\n    Id\n    \n    18436\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Men](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/men)\n    Id\n    \n    14871\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n- [Dining](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/dining)\n  Id\n  \n  173706\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n  - [Food & Drinks](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/food-drinks)\n    Id\n    \n    30171\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Restaurants](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/restaurants)\n    Id\n    \n    14686\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Chefs](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/chefs)\n    Id\n    \n    18521\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n- [Travel](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/travel)\n  Id\n  \n  173701\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n  - [Places & Attractions](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/places-attractions)\n    Id\n    \n    18486\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Activities](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/activities)\n    Id\n    \n    18541\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n  - [Weekend Escapes](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/weekend-escapes)\n    Id\n    \n    14946\n    \n    Type\n    \n    topic\n- [8days](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/8days)\n  Id\n  \n  416661\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n\n## CNAR Primary Menu\n- [Lifestyle](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/cna-lifestyle-homepage)\n  Id\n  \n  466711\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Entertainment](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/entertainment)\n  Id\n  \n  173691\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Women](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/women)\n  Id\n  \n  173721\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Wellness](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/wellness)\n  Id\n  \n  173716\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Living](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/living)\n  Id\n  \n  173696\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Style & Beauty](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/style)\n  Id\n  \n  173711\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Dining](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/dining)\n  Id\n  \n  173706\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Travel](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/travel)\n  Id\n  \n  173701\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [8days](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/8days)\n  Id\n  \n  416661\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- All\n\n- [Lifestyle](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/cna-lifestyle-homepage)\n  Id\n  \n  466711\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Entertainment](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/entertainment)\n  Id\n  \n  173691\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Women](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/women)\n  Id\n  \n  173721\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Wellness](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/wellness)\n  Id\n  \n  173716\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Living](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/living)\n  Id\n  \n  173696\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Style & Beauty](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/style)\n  Id\n  \n  173711\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Dining](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/dining)\n  Id\n  \n  173706\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [Travel](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/travel)\n  Id\n  \n  173701\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- [8days](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/8days)\n  Id\n  \n  416661\n  \n  Type\n  \n  landing\\_page\n- All\n\n## CNAR Secondary Menu (Main site megamenu)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/latest-news)\n  Type\n  \n  external\n  - [Top Stories](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [Latest News](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/latest-news)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [Asia](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/asia)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [East Asia](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/east-asia)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [Singapore](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/singapore)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [World](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/world)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [Commentary](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/commentary)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [CNA Explains](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/cna-explains)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [Sustainability](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/sustainability)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [Business](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/business)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [Sport](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/sport)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - 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[Wellness](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/wellness)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [Living](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/living)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [Style & Beauty](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/style)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [Dining](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/dining)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [Travel](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/travel)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n- [Branded Content](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/branded-content-series)\n  Type\n  \n  external\n  - [Business Blueprint](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/news\/businessblueprint)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [Health Matters](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/news\/healthmatters)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n  - [The Asian Traveller](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/news\/theasiantraveller)\n    Type\n    \n    external\n- [Brand Studio](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/brand-studio)\n  Id\n  \n  30176\n  \n  Type\n  \n  category\n  - 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Give it a try.\n\nClick here to return to FAST   Tap here to return to FAST\n\n[FAST](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/fast\/470351 \"FAST\")\n\n[Wellness](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/wellness-0)\n\n##### Flu or COVID-19? Here’s why 3-in-1 self-test kits are worth getting when you have the sniffles\n\n[Bookmark]()\n\n[Bookmark](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/profile\/sso\/login?redirect_url=\/wellness\/home-test-kits-flu-covid-options-470351&bookmark=597a95bb-70c3-40a5-a47c-8b4b95ff712a)\n\n[Share]()\n\n[WhatsApp](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/#whatsapp)\n\n[Telegram](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/#telegram)\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/#facebook)\n\n[Twitter](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/#twitter)\n\n[Email](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/#email)\n\n[LinkedIn](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/#linkedin)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[Wellness](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/wellness)\n\n# Flu or COVID-19? Here’s why 3-in-1 self-test kits are worth getting when you have the sniffles\nKnowing what viral infection you have can mean getting the right antiviral medication and taking the right precautions, especially if you have vulnerable family members at home.\n\n![Flu or COVID-19? Here’s why 3-in-1 self-test kits are worth getting when you have the sniffles](https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--R6IYvtVe--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_622,w_830\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/08\/27\/istock-1346290067.jpg?itok=V7SLPxta)\n\n(Photo: iStock\/Pony Wang)\n\nNew: You can now listen to articles.\n\n![](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/profiles\/custom\/mediacorp\/themes\/mc_core_theme\/images\/close.svg)\n\nThis audio is generated by an AI tool.\n\n[![](https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--7xaBiN6v--\/c_fill,g_faces:auto,h_140,w_140\/f_auto,q_auto\/khoo-bee-khim---byline_0.jpg?itok=15Ggl2gr)](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/author\/khoo-bee-khim)\n\n###### [Khoo Bee Khim](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/author\/khoo-bee-khim)\n\n[![Khoo Bee Khim](https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--FLGlGLzW--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/khoo-bee-khim---byline_0.jpg?itok=Md78jjDE)](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/author\/khoo-bee-khim)\n\n[Khoo Bee Khim](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/author\/khoo-bee-khim)\n\n02 Sep 2025 07:17AM (Updated: 16 Dec 2025 02:37PM)\n\n[Bookmark]()\n\n[Bookmark](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/profile\/sso\/login?redirect_url=\/wellness\/home-test-kits-flu-covid-options-470351&bookmark=597a95bb-70c3-40a5-a47c-8b4b95ff712a)\n\n[Share]()\n\n[WhatsApp](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/#whatsapp)\n\n[Telegram](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/#telegram)\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/#facebook)\n\n[Twitter](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/#twitter)\n\n[Email](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/#email)\n\n[LinkedIn](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/#linkedin)\n\nSet CNA as your preferred source on Google\n\nAdd CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results.\n\nRead a summary of this article on FAST.\n\nGet bite-sized news via a new  \ncards interface. Give it a try.\n\nClick here to return to FAST   Tap here to return to FAST\n\n[FAST](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/fast\/470351 \"FAST\")\n\nJust when you thought you’re well stocked with antigen rapid test or ART kits, you spot a new hybrid on the pharmacy shelves – three-in-one ART kits that not only test for COVID-19, but also influenza A and B.\n\nNow, why would you need to know whether your sniffles are caused by influenza A or B? Wouldn’t taking an MC, popping a paracetamol and sleeping the flu off usually take care of things? We find out why it is important to make the distinction between influenza A and B – and why you may find more such three-in-one ART kits in the stores.\n\n## **WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA A AND B?**\nThere are actually not just two but four influenza viruses in total – A, B, C and D – and they’re the causes behind their respective influenza types. However, less focus is placed on influenza C and D. That’s because influenza C infections “generally cause mild illness”, while the D type primarily affects cattle, according to the [US Centers For Disease Control And Prevention](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/about\/viruses-types.html).\n\n“Influenza A and B viruses are more concerning,” said Professor Paul Tambyah, a professor of medicine and the deputy chair of the Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme at National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.\n\nOf the two, “influenza A tends to be a bit more serious than influenza B”, said Prof Tambyah. Although influenza B tends to cause more muscle aches, influenza A can lead to [higher risks of developing pneumonia](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/wellness\/pneumonia-influenza-cold-prevention-travel-459526), he said. Influenza A is also responsible for flu outbreaks and pandemics.\n\n![](https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--Tk8IYrcx--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_523,w_693\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/08\/27\/istock-1241630232.jpg?itok=mQpJPH7m)\n\n(Photo: iStock\/Pornpak Khunatorn)\n\n## **WHICH INFLUENZA TYPE DO WE COMMONLY HAVE IN SINGAPORE?**\n\"Although influenza A tends to be more commonly found here, both viruses circulate quite widely,\" said Prof Tambyah, citing the [latest report by the Ministry Of Health](https:\/\/isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg\/18\/a023fd91-c572-4cac-91f4-7d05d3a80ac7\/Weekly%20Infectious%20Disease%20Bulletin%20EW32.pdf%20). \"It shows that influenza A accounted for 78 per cent of the influenza cases detected in July with influenza B accounting for 12 per cent.\" However, this breakdown varies from month to month.\n\nAs for the annual flu season that you often hear about, it is different in Singapore and other tropical countries, said Associate Professor Barnaby Young, a senior consultant at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. While temperate regions have a distinct flu season usually in winter, “it is much more complex and varies from year to year” in Singapore.\n\n“Typically, we experience two peaks a year – one from about December to March, and another from May to August,” said Assoc Prof Young. But beyond those two periods, influenza viruses also circulate and cause year-round infections, he said.\n\n## **WHY DO YOU NEED TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA A AND B, AND COVID-19?**\nDifferentiating between influenza and COVID-19 can mean prescribing the right antiviral medication, said Assoc Prof Young. Oseltamivir is used for both influenza A and B, while Paxlovid is for COVID-19. “These can help speed recovery and reduce the risk of developing a severe illness,” he said, useful when you have very young ones or elderly folks at home.\n\nBut if that’s the case, why didn’t your family doctor perform an in-clinic test on you back before self-test kits were available? Even now, you’re often sent home with an MC and some medicine. No swabbing, nothing taken.\n\n![](https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--fCG4-2qX--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_523,w_693\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/08\/27\/istock-2211449529.jpg?itok=z4DEr2LU)\n\n(Photo: iStock\/Memorystockphoto)\n\nFor most treatments, said Assoc Prof Young, medications such as paracetamol, antihistamines and cough medicine may be sufficient to treat the symptoms, and “there is no need to know exactly what virus is causing the infection”.\n\nOther reasons are the cost of the in-clinic test kits and the time involved in testing. “Testing for different viruses requires sending off a swab to a lab, with the results only coming back one to two days later. And this lab test may be expensive,” said Assoc Prof Young.\n\nAnd that’s where these three-in-one self-test kits can come in handy, said Prof Tambyah. “Both influenza and COVID-19 are more serious than common colds, so for the patient, it is good to know which virus they are infected with.”\n\nThey are also useful when you have elderly relatives at home. “You might need to be a bit more alert with influenza A than influenza B,\" he said. It is also more crucial to differentiate for “patients who would not ordinarily be isolated or hospitalised”, and potentially spread a highly contagious virus.\n\n## **HOW DO THESE THREE-IN-ONE TEST KITS WORK? HOW DO YOU CHOOSE?**\nThe hybrid kits contain three different antigens that react to influenza A and B antibodies as well as SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in your nasal sample. If positive, a line would appear next to the relevant viral infection in the cartridge’s window, much like how the usual ART kits for COVID-19 work.\n\n![](https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--J_zthBGS--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_523,w_693\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/08\/27\/istock-2159146285.jpg?itok=pJTk8S5J)\n\n(Photo: iStock\/wichayada suwanachun)\n\n“However, they are less sensitive, so while a positive result gives us confidence that a particular virus is causing the infection, a negative result needs to be interpreted more carefully,” said Assoc Prof Young. This is because a negative test result does not mean you don't have an infection; there are many other viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory symptoms that are not covered by these three-in-one kits, he said.\n\n“Even with a negative result, it is important to take protective measures such as avoiding crowded areas, wearing a mask if you have to go out, and taking time off work,” advised Assoc Prof Young.\n\nThere are several brands available in the pharmacies and online – as well as a kit that is being developed locally by Singapore-based company Cellbae. Funded by the Integrated Innovations In Infectious Diseases or I3D grant awarded by the National Medical Research Council, the prototype is currently being tested on students and staff from the National University of Singapore with flu-like illnesses. No commercial release date has been provided yet.\n\nWith some options to choose from, how do you decide? “As long as the kit has been approved by the local health authorities, it would have met the necessary standards for quality and accuracy,” said Assoc Prof Young.\n\n“Some kits are easier to use than others, and some may even test for additional viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus – a four-in-one test,” he said. “But otherwise, the general public can opt for the cheapest option.\n\nSource: CNA\/bk\n\nNewsletter\n\n## Recommended Read\n![](https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--RoboIaym--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_128,w_188\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/04\/21\/recommended_read.png?itok=zog5vSCV)\n\nSubscribe to CNA's Recommended Read\n\nA single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.\n\n## Related Topics\n[ART test kit](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/art-test-kit)   [Health](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/health)   [Influenza](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/influenza)   [COVID-19](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/covid-19)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## RECOMMENDED\nContent is loading...\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[Expand to read the full story]()\n\nGet bite-sized news via a new  \ncards interface. Give it a try.\n\nClick here to return to FAST   Tap here to return to FAST\n\n[FAST](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/fast \"FAST\")\n\n[![Logo](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/sites\/cnalifestyle\/themes\/mc_cnalifestyle_theme\/images\/logo.svg)](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/)\n\n#### Recent Searches\n#### Trending Topics\n[celebrity](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/celebrity)   [homes](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/homes)   [fashion](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/fashion)   [Health](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/health)   [Women's Voices](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/womens-voices)   [Places & Attractions](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/topic\/places-attractions)\n\nCopyright© Mediacorp 2026. Mediacorp Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.\n\n[About Mediacorp](https:\/\/www.mediacorp.sg\/corporate\/about) \\| [Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/www.mediacorp.sg\/terms-conditions) \\| [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.mediacorp.sg\/privacy-policy) \\| [Report Vulnerability](https:\/\/mediacorp.vulnerability-disclosure.com\/p\/Policy)\n\nFollow Us\n\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ChannelNewsAsia)\n- [X](https:\/\/x.com\/Channelnewsasia)\n- [Youtube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/channelnewsasia)\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/channelnewsasia)\n\n[![Logo](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/sites\/cnalifestyle\/themes\/mc_cnalifestyle_theme\/images\/logo.svg)](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/)\n\nThis browser is no longer supported\n\nWe know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with CNA to be fast, secure and the best it can possibly be.\n\nTo continue, upgrade to a supported browser or, for the finest experience, download the mobile app.\n\n[![Logo](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/sites\/cnalifestyle\/themes\/mc_cnalifestyle_theme\/images\/google-play.webp)](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.channelnewsasia&hl=en&gl=US)   [![Logo](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/sites\/cnalifestyle\/themes\/mc_cnalifestyle_theme\/images\/app-store.webp)](https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/sg\/app\/cna-channel-newsasia\/id520773971)","attrs_readable_markdown":"[Wellness](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/wellness)\n\nKnowing what viral infection you have can mean getting the right antiviral medication and taking the right precautions, especially if you have vulnerable family members at home.\n\n![Flu or COVID-19? Here’s why 3-in-1 self-test kits are worth getting when you have the sniffles](https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--R6IYvtVe--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_622,w_830\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/08\/27\/istock-1346290067.jpg?itok=V7SLPxta)\n\n(Photo: iStock\/Pony Wang)\n\nNew: You can now listen to articles. ![](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/profiles\/custom\/mediacorp\/themes\/mc_core_theme\/images\/close.svg)\n\nThis audio is generated by an AI tool.\n\nJust when you thought you’re well stocked with antigen rapid test or ART kits, you spot a new hybrid on the pharmacy shelves – three-in-one ART kits that not only test for COVID-19, but also influenza A and B.\n\nNow, why would you need to know whether your sniffles are caused by influenza A or B? Wouldn’t taking an MC, popping a paracetamol and sleeping the flu off usually take care of things? We find out why it is important to make the distinction between influenza A and B – and why you may find more such three-in-one ART kits in the stores.\n\n## **WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA A AND B?**\nThere are actually not just two but four influenza viruses in total – A, B, C and D – and they’re the causes behind their respective influenza types. However, less focus is placed on influenza C and D. That’s because influenza C infections “generally cause mild illness”, while the D type primarily affects cattle, according to the [US Centers For Disease Control And Prevention](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/about\/viruses-types.html).\n\n“Influenza A and B viruses are more concerning,” said Professor Paul Tambyah, a professor of medicine and the deputy chair of the Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme at National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.\n\nOf the two, “influenza A tends to be a bit more serious than influenza B”, said Prof Tambyah. Although influenza B tends to cause more muscle aches, influenza A can lead to [higher risks of developing pneumonia](https:\/\/cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com\/wellness\/pneumonia-influenza-cold-prevention-travel-459526), he said. Influenza A is also responsible for flu outbreaks and pandemics.\n\n![](https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--Tk8IYrcx--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_523,w_693\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/08\/27\/istock-1241630232.jpg?itok=mQpJPH7m)\n\n(Photo: iStock\/Pornpak Khunatorn)\n\n## **WHICH INFLUENZA TYPE DO WE COMMONLY HAVE IN SINGAPORE?**\n\"Although influenza A tends to be more commonly found here, both viruses circulate quite widely,\" said Prof Tambyah, citing the [latest report by the Ministry Of Health](https:\/\/isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg\/18\/a023fd91-c572-4cac-91f4-7d05d3a80ac7\/Weekly%20Infectious%20Disease%20Bulletin%20EW32.pdf). \"It shows that influenza A accounted for 78 per cent of the influenza cases detected in July with influenza B accounting for 12 per cent.\" However, this breakdown varies from month to month.\n\nAs for the annual flu season that you often hear about, it is different in Singapore and other tropical countries, said Associate Professor Barnaby Young, a senior consultant at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. While temperate regions have a distinct flu season usually in winter, “it is much more complex and varies from year to year” in Singapore.\n\n“Typically, we experience two peaks a year – one from about December to March, and another from May to August,” said Assoc Prof Young. But beyond those two periods, influenza viruses also circulate and cause year-round infections, he said.\n\n## **WHY DO YOU NEED TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA A AND B, AND COVID-19?**\nDifferentiating between influenza and COVID-19 can mean prescribing the right antiviral medication, said Assoc Prof Young. Oseltamivir is used for both influenza A and B, while Paxlovid is for COVID-19. “These can help speed recovery and reduce the risk of developing a severe illness,” he said, useful when you have very young ones or elderly folks at home.\n\nBut if that’s the case, why didn’t your family doctor perform an in-clinic test on you back before self-test kits were available? Even now, you’re often sent home with an MC and some medicine. No swabbing, nothing taken.\n\n![](https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--fCG4-2qX--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_523,w_693\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/08\/27\/istock-2211449529.jpg?itok=z4DEr2LU)\n\n(Photo: iStock\/Memorystockphoto)\n\nFor most treatments, said Assoc Prof Young, medications such as paracetamol, antihistamines and cough medicine may be sufficient to treat the symptoms, and “there is no need to know exactly what virus is causing the infection”.\n\nOther reasons are the cost of the in-clinic test kits and the time involved in testing. “Testing for different viruses requires sending off a swab to a lab, with the results only coming back one to two days later. And this lab test may be expensive,” said Assoc Prof Young.\n\nAnd that’s where these three-in-one self-test kits can come in handy, said Prof Tambyah. “Both influenza and COVID-19 are more serious than common colds, so for the patient, it is good to know which virus they are infected with.”\n\nThey are also useful when you have elderly relatives at home. “You might need to be a bit more alert with influenza A than influenza B,\" he said. It is also more crucial to differentiate for “patients who would not ordinarily be isolated or hospitalised”, and potentially spread a highly contagious virus.\n\n## **HOW DO THESE THREE-IN-ONE TEST KITS WORK? HOW DO YOU CHOOSE?**\nThe hybrid kits contain three different antigens that react to influenza A and B antibodies as well as SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in your nasal sample. If positive, a line would appear next to the relevant viral infection in the cartridge’s window, much like how the usual ART kits for COVID-19 work.\n\n![](https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--J_zthBGS--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_523,w_693\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/08\/27\/istock-2159146285.jpg?itok=pJTk8S5J)\n\n(Photo: iStock\/wichayada suwanachun)\n\n“However, they are less sensitive, so while a positive result gives us confidence that a particular virus is causing the infection, a negative result needs to be interpreted more carefully,” said Assoc Prof Young. This is because a negative test result does not mean you don't have an infection; there are many other viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory symptoms that are not covered by these three-in-one kits, he said.\n\n“Even with a negative result, it is important to take protective measures such as avoiding crowded areas, wearing a mask if you have to go out, and taking time off work,” advised Assoc Prof Young.\n\nThere are several brands available in the pharmacies and online – as well as a kit that is being developed locally by Singapore-based company Cellbae. Funded by the Integrated Innovations In Infectious Diseases or I3D grant awarded by the National Medical Research Council, the prototype is currently being tested on students and staff from the National University of Singapore with flu-like illnesses. No commercial release date has been provided yet.\n\nWith some options to choose from, how do you decide? “As long as the kit has been approved by the local health authorities, it would have met the necessary standards for quality and accuracy,” said Assoc Prof Young.\n\n“Some kits are easier to use than others, and some may even test for additional viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus – a four-in-one test,” he said. “But otherwise, the general public can opt for the cheapest option.\n\nSource: CNA\/bk","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Wellness Knowing what viral infection you have can mean getting the right antiviral medication and taking the right precautions, especially if you have vulnerable family members at home. (Photo: iStock/Pony Wang) New: You can now listen to articles. This audio is generated by an AI tool. Just when you thought you’re well stocked with antigen rapid test or ART kits, you spot a new hybrid on the pharmacy shelves – three-in-one ART kits that not only test for COVID-19, but also influenza A and B. Now, why would you need to know whether your sniffles are caused by influenza A or B? Wouldn’t taking an MC, popping a paracetamol and sleeping the flu off usually take care of things? We find out why it is important to make the distinction between influenza A and B – and why you may find more such three-in-one ART kits in the stores. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA A AND B? There are actually not just two but four influenza viruses in total – A, B, C and D – and they’re the causes behind their respective influenza types. However, less focus is placed on influenza C and D. That’s because influenza C infections “generally cause mild illness”, while the D type primarily affects cattle, according to the US Centers For Disease Control And Prevention . “Influenza A and B viruses are more concerning,” said Professor Paul Tambyah, a professor of medicine and the deputy chair of the Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme at National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Of the two, “influenza A tends to be a bit more serious than influenza B”, said Prof Tambyah. Although influenza B tends to cause more muscle aches, influenza A can lead to higher risks of developing pneumonia , he said. Influenza A is also responsible for flu outbreaks and pandemics. (Photo: iStock/Pornpak Khunatorn) WHICH INFLUENZA TYPE DO WE COMMONLY HAVE IN SINGAPORE? "Although influenza A tends to be more commonly found here, both viruses circulate quite widely," said Prof Tambyah, citing the latest report by the Ministry Of Health . "It shows that influenza A accounted for 78 per cent of the influenza cases detected in July with influenza B accounting for 12 per cent." However, this breakdown varies from month to month. As for the annual flu season that you often hear about, it is different in Singapore and other tropical countries, said Associate Professor Barnaby Young, a senior consultant at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. While temperate regions have a distinct flu season usually in winter, “it is much more complex and varies from year to year” in Singapore. “Typically, we experience two peaks a year – one from about December to March, and another from May to August,” said Assoc Prof Young. But beyond those two periods, influenza viruses also circulate and cause year-round infections, he said. WHY DO YOU NEED TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA A AND B, AND COVID-19? Differentiating between influenza and COVID-19 can mean prescribing the right antiviral medication, said Assoc Prof Young. Oseltamivir is used for both influenza A and B, while Paxlovid is for COVID-19. “These can help speed recovery and reduce the risk of developing a severe illness,” he said, useful when you have very young ones or elderly folks at home. But if that’s the case, why didn’t your family doctor perform an in-clinic test on you back before self-test kits were available? Even now, you’re often sent home with an MC and some medicine. No swabbing, nothing taken. (Photo: iStock/Memorystockphoto) For most treatments, said Assoc Prof Young, medications such as paracetamol, antihistamines and cough medicine may be sufficient to treat the symptoms, and “there is no need to know exactly what virus is causing the infection”. Other reasons are the cost of the in-clinic test kits and the time involved in testing. “Testing for different viruses requires sending off a swab to a lab, with the results only coming back one to two days later. And this lab test may be expensive,” said Assoc Prof Young. And that’s where these three-in-one self-test kits can come in handy, said Prof Tambyah. “Both influenza and COVID-19 are more serious than common colds, so for the patient, it is good to know which virus they are infected with.” They are also useful when you have elderly relatives at home. “You might need to be a bit more alert with influenza A than influenza B," he said. It is also more crucial to differentiate for “patients who would not ordinarily be isolated or hospitalised”, and potentially spread a highly contagious virus. HOW DO THESE THREE-IN-ONE TEST KITS WORK? HOW DO YOU CHOOSE? The hybrid kits contain three different antigens that react to influenza A and B antibodies as well as SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in your nasal sample. If positive, a line would appear next to the relevant viral infection in the cartridge’s window, much like how the usual ART kits for COVID-19 work. (Photo: iStock/wichayada suwanachun) “However, they are less sensitive, so while a positive result gives us confidence that a particular virus is causing the infection, a negative result needs to be interpreted more carefully,” said Assoc Prof Young. This is because a negative test result does not mean you don't have an infection; there are many other viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory symptoms that are not covered by these three-in-one kits, he said. “Even with a negative result, it is important to take protective measures such as avoiding crowded areas, wearing a mask if you have to go out, and taking time off work,” advised Assoc Prof Young. There are several brands available in the pharmacies and online – as well as a kit that is being developed locally by Singapore-based company Cellbae. Funded by the Integrated Innovations In Infectious Diseases or I3D grant awarded by the National Medical Research Council, the prototype is currently being tested on students and staff from the National University of Singapore with flu-like illnesses. No commercial release date has been provided yet. With some options to choose from, how do you decide? “As long as the kit has been approved by the local health authorities, it would have met the necessary standards for quality and accuracy,” said Assoc Prof Young. “Some kits are easier to use than others, and some may even test for additional viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus – a four-in-one test,” he said. “But otherwise, the general public can opt for the cheapest option. Source: CNA/bk
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Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST [FAST](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/fast/470351 "FAST") [Wellness](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/wellness-0) ##### Flu or COVID-19? Here’s why 3-in-1 self-test kits are worth getting when you have the sniffles [Bookmark]() [Bookmark](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/profile/sso/login?redirect_url=/wellness/home-test-kits-flu-covid-options-470351&bookmark=597a95bb-70c3-40a5-a47c-8b4b95ff712a) [Share]() [WhatsApp](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/#whatsapp) [Telegram](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/#telegram) [Facebook](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/#facebook) [Twitter](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/#twitter) [Email](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/#email) [LinkedIn](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/#linkedin) Advertisement [Wellness](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/wellness) # Flu or COVID-19? Here’s why 3-in-1 self-test kits are worth getting when you have the sniffles Knowing what viral infection you have can mean getting the right antiviral medication and taking the right precautions, especially if you have vulnerable family members at home. ![Flu or COVID-19? Here’s why 3-in-1 self-test kits are worth getting when you have the sniffles](https://dam.mediacorp.sg/image/upload/s--R6IYvtVe--/c_fill,g_auto,h_622,w_830/f_auto,q_auto/v1/mediacorp/cna/image/2025/08/27/istock-1346290067.jpg?itok=V7SLPxta) (Photo: iStock/Pony Wang) New: You can now listen to articles. ![](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/profiles/custom/mediacorp/themes/mc_core_theme/images/close.svg) This audio is generated by an AI tool. [![](https://dam.mediacorp.sg/image/upload/s--7xaBiN6v--/c_fill,g_faces:auto,h_140,w_140/f_auto,q_auto/khoo-bee-khim---byline_0.jpg?itok=15Ggl2gr)](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/author/khoo-bee-khim) ###### [Khoo Bee Khim](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/author/khoo-bee-khim) [![Khoo Bee Khim](https://dam.mediacorp.sg/image/upload/s--FLGlGLzW--/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100/f_auto,q_auto/khoo-bee-khim---byline_0.jpg?itok=Md78jjDE)](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/author/khoo-bee-khim) [Khoo Bee Khim](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/author/khoo-bee-khim) 02 Sep 2025 07:17AM (Updated: 16 Dec 2025 02:37PM) [Bookmark]() [Bookmark](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/profile/sso/login?redirect_url=/wellness/home-test-kits-flu-covid-options-470351&bookmark=597a95bb-70c3-40a5-a47c-8b4b95ff712a) [Share]() [WhatsApp](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/#whatsapp) [Telegram](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/#telegram) [Facebook](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/#facebook) [Twitter](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/#twitter) [Email](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/#email) [LinkedIn](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/#linkedin) Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a new cards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST [FAST](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/fast/470351 "FAST") Just when you thought you’re well stocked with antigen rapid test or ART kits, you spot a new hybrid on the pharmacy shelves – three-in-one ART kits that not only test for COVID-19, but also influenza A and B. Now, why would you need to know whether your sniffles are caused by influenza A or B? Wouldn’t taking an MC, popping a paracetamol and sleeping the flu off usually take care of things? We find out why it is important to make the distinction between influenza A and B – and why you may find more such three-in-one ART kits in the stores. ## WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA A AND B? There are actually not just two but four influenza viruses in total – A, B, C and D – and they’re the causes behind their respective influenza types. However, less focus is placed on influenza C and D. That’s because influenza C infections “generally cause mild illness”, while the D type primarily affects cattle, according to the [US Centers For Disease Control And Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses-types.html). “Influenza A and B viruses are more concerning,” said Professor Paul Tambyah, a professor of medicine and the deputy chair of the Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme at National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Of the two, “influenza A tends to be a bit more serious than influenza B”, said Prof Tambyah. Although influenza B tends to cause more muscle aches, influenza A can lead to [higher risks of developing pneumonia](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/wellness/pneumonia-influenza-cold-prevention-travel-459526), he said. Influenza A is also responsible for flu outbreaks and pandemics. ![](https://dam.mediacorp.sg/image/upload/s--Tk8IYrcx--/c_fill,g_auto,h_523,w_693/f_auto,q_auto/v1/mediacorp/cna/image/2025/08/27/istock-1241630232.jpg?itok=mQpJPH7m) (Photo: iStock/Pornpak Khunatorn) ## WHICH INFLUENZA TYPE DO WE COMMONLY HAVE IN SINGAPORE? "Although influenza A tends to be more commonly found here, both viruses circulate quite widely," said Prof Tambyah, citing the [latest report by the Ministry Of Health](https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/18/a023fd91-c572-4cac-91f4-7d05d3a80ac7/Weekly%20Infectious%20Disease%20Bulletin%20EW32.pdf%20). "It shows that influenza A accounted for 78 per cent of the influenza cases detected in July with influenza B accounting for 12 per cent." However, this breakdown varies from month to month. As for the annual flu season that you often hear about, it is different in Singapore and other tropical countries, said Associate Professor Barnaby Young, a senior consultant at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. While temperate regions have a distinct flu season usually in winter, “it is much more complex and varies from year to year” in Singapore. “Typically, we experience two peaks a year – one from about December to March, and another from May to August,” said Assoc Prof Young. But beyond those two periods, influenza viruses also circulate and cause year-round infections, he said. ## WHY DO YOU NEED TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA A AND B, AND COVID-19? Differentiating between influenza and COVID-19 can mean prescribing the right antiviral medication, said Assoc Prof Young. Oseltamivir is used for both influenza A and B, while Paxlovid is for COVID-19. “These can help speed recovery and reduce the risk of developing a severe illness,” he said, useful when you have very young ones or elderly folks at home. But if that’s the case, why didn’t your family doctor perform an in-clinic test on you back before self-test kits were available? Even now, you’re often sent home with an MC and some medicine. No swabbing, nothing taken. ![](https://dam.mediacorp.sg/image/upload/s--fCG4-2qX--/c_fill,g_auto,h_523,w_693/f_auto,q_auto/v1/mediacorp/cna/image/2025/08/27/istock-2211449529.jpg?itok=z4DEr2LU) (Photo: iStock/Memorystockphoto) For most treatments, said Assoc Prof Young, medications such as paracetamol, antihistamines and cough medicine may be sufficient to treat the symptoms, and “there is no need to know exactly what virus is causing the infection”. Other reasons are the cost of the in-clinic test kits and the time involved in testing. “Testing for different viruses requires sending off a swab to a lab, with the results only coming back one to two days later. And this lab test may be expensive,” said Assoc Prof Young. And that’s where these three-in-one self-test kits can come in handy, said Prof Tambyah. “Both influenza and COVID-19 are more serious than common colds, so for the patient, it is good to know which virus they are infected with.” They are also useful when you have elderly relatives at home. “You might need to be a bit more alert with influenza A than influenza B," he said. It is also more crucial to differentiate for “patients who would not ordinarily be isolated or hospitalised”, and potentially spread a highly contagious virus. ## HOW DO THESE THREE-IN-ONE TEST KITS WORK? HOW DO YOU CHOOSE? The hybrid kits contain three different antigens that react to influenza A and B antibodies as well as SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in your nasal sample. If positive, a line would appear next to the relevant viral infection in the cartridge’s window, much like how the usual ART kits for COVID-19 work. ![](https://dam.mediacorp.sg/image/upload/s--J_zthBGS--/c_fill,g_auto,h_523,w_693/f_auto,q_auto/v1/mediacorp/cna/image/2025/08/27/istock-2159146285.jpg?itok=pJTk8S5J) (Photo: iStock/wichayada suwanachun) “However, they are less sensitive, so while a positive result gives us confidence that a particular virus is causing the infection, a negative result needs to be interpreted more carefully,” said Assoc Prof Young. This is because a negative test result does not mean you don't have an infection; there are many other viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory symptoms that are not covered by these three-in-one kits, he said. “Even with a negative result, it is important to take protective measures such as avoiding crowded areas, wearing a mask if you have to go out, and taking time off work,” advised Assoc Prof Young. There are several brands available in the pharmacies and online – as well as a kit that is being developed locally by Singapore-based company Cellbae. Funded by the Integrated Innovations In Infectious Diseases or I3D grant awarded by the National Medical Research Council, the prototype is currently being tested on students and staff from the National University of Singapore with flu-like illnesses. No commercial release date has been provided yet. With some options to choose from, how do you decide? “As long as the kit has been approved by the local health authorities, it would have met the necessary standards for quality and accuracy,” said Assoc Prof Young. “Some kits are easier to use than others, and some may even test for additional viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus – a four-in-one test,” he said. “But otherwise, the general public can opt for the cheapest option. Source: CNA/bk Newsletter ## Recommended Read ![](https://dam.mediacorp.sg/image/upload/s--RoboIaym--/c_fill,g_auto,h_128,w_188/f_auto,q_auto/v1/mediacorp/cna/image/2025/04/21/recommended_read.png?itok=zog5vSCV) Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. 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Readable Markdown	[Wellness](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/wellness) Knowing what viral infection you have can mean getting the right antiviral medication and taking the right precautions, especially if you have vulnerable family members at home. ![Flu or COVID-19? Here’s why 3-in-1 self-test kits are worth getting when you have the sniffles](https://dam.mediacorp.sg/image/upload/s--R6IYvtVe--/c_fill,g_auto,h_622,w_830/f_auto,q_auto/v1/mediacorp/cna/image/2025/08/27/istock-1346290067.jpg?itok=V7SLPxta) (Photo: iStock/Pony Wang) New: You can now listen to articles. ![](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/profiles/custom/mediacorp/themes/mc_core_theme/images/close.svg) This audio is generated by an AI tool. Just when you thought you’re well stocked with antigen rapid test or ART kits, you spot a new hybrid on the pharmacy shelves – three-in-one ART kits that not only test for COVID-19, but also influenza A and B. Now, why would you need to know whether your sniffles are caused by influenza A or B? Wouldn’t taking an MC, popping a paracetamol and sleeping the flu off usually take care of things? We find out why it is important to make the distinction between influenza A and B – and why you may find more such three-in-one ART kits in the stores. ## WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA A AND B? There are actually not just two but four influenza viruses in total – A, B, C and D – and they’re the causes behind their respective influenza types. However, less focus is placed on influenza C and D. That’s because influenza C infections “generally cause mild illness”, while the D type primarily affects cattle, according to the [US Centers For Disease Control And Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses-types.html). “Influenza A and B viruses are more concerning,” said Professor Paul Tambyah, a professor of medicine and the deputy chair of the Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme at National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Of the two, “influenza A tends to be a bit more serious than influenza B”, said Prof Tambyah. Although influenza B tends to cause more muscle aches, influenza A can lead to [higher risks of developing pneumonia](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/wellness/pneumonia-influenza-cold-prevention-travel-459526), he said. Influenza A is also responsible for flu outbreaks and pandemics. ![](https://dam.mediacorp.sg/image/upload/s--Tk8IYrcx--/c_fill,g_auto,h_523,w_693/f_auto,q_auto/v1/mediacorp/cna/image/2025/08/27/istock-1241630232.jpg?itok=mQpJPH7m) (Photo: iStock/Pornpak Khunatorn) ## WHICH INFLUENZA TYPE DO WE COMMONLY HAVE IN SINGAPORE? "Although influenza A tends to be more commonly found here, both viruses circulate quite widely," said Prof Tambyah, citing the [latest report by the Ministry Of Health](https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/18/a023fd91-c572-4cac-91f4-7d05d3a80ac7/Weekly%20Infectious%20Disease%20Bulletin%20EW32.pdf). "It shows that influenza A accounted for 78 per cent of the influenza cases detected in July with influenza B accounting for 12 per cent." However, this breakdown varies from month to month. As for the annual flu season that you often hear about, it is different in Singapore and other tropical countries, said Associate Professor Barnaby Young, a senior consultant at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. While temperate regions have a distinct flu season usually in winter, “it is much more complex and varies from year to year” in Singapore. “Typically, we experience two peaks a year – one from about December to March, and another from May to August,” said Assoc Prof Young. But beyond those two periods, influenza viruses also circulate and cause year-round infections, he said. ## WHY DO YOU NEED TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA A AND B, AND COVID-19? Differentiating between influenza and COVID-19 can mean prescribing the right antiviral medication, said Assoc Prof Young. Oseltamivir is used for both influenza A and B, while Paxlovid is for COVID-19. “These can help speed recovery and reduce the risk of developing a severe illness,” he said, useful when you have very young ones or elderly folks at home. But if that’s the case, why didn’t your family doctor perform an in-clinic test on you back before self-test kits were available? Even now, you’re often sent home with an MC and some medicine. No swabbing, nothing taken. ![](https://dam.mediacorp.sg/image/upload/s--fCG4-2qX--/c_fill,g_auto,h_523,w_693/f_auto,q_auto/v1/mediacorp/cna/image/2025/08/27/istock-2211449529.jpg?itok=z4DEr2LU) (Photo: iStock/Memorystockphoto) For most treatments, said Assoc Prof Young, medications such as paracetamol, antihistamines and cough medicine may be sufficient to treat the symptoms, and “there is no need to know exactly what virus is causing the infection”. Other reasons are the cost of the in-clinic test kits and the time involved in testing. “Testing for different viruses requires sending off a swab to a lab, with the results only coming back one to two days later. And this lab test may be expensive,” said Assoc Prof Young. And that’s where these three-in-one self-test kits can come in handy, said Prof Tambyah. “Both influenza and COVID-19 are more serious than common colds, so for the patient, it is good to know which virus they are infected with.” They are also useful when you have elderly relatives at home. “You might need to be a bit more alert with influenza A than influenza B," he said. It is also more crucial to differentiate for “patients who would not ordinarily be isolated or hospitalised”, and potentially spread a highly contagious virus. ## HOW DO THESE THREE-IN-ONE TEST KITS WORK? HOW DO YOU CHOOSE? The hybrid kits contain three different antigens that react to influenza A and B antibodies as well as SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in your nasal sample. If positive, a line would appear next to the relevant viral infection in the cartridge’s window, much like how the usual ART kits for COVID-19 work. ![](https://dam.mediacorp.sg/image/upload/s--J_zthBGS--/c_fill,g_auto,h_523,w_693/f_auto,q_auto/v1/mediacorp/cna/image/2025/08/27/istock-2159146285.jpg?itok=pJTk8S5J) (Photo: iStock/wichayada suwanachun) “However, they are less sensitive, so while a positive result gives us confidence that a particular virus is causing the infection, a negative result needs to be interpreted more carefully,” said Assoc Prof Young. This is because a negative test result does not mean you don't have an infection; there are many other viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory symptoms that are not covered by these three-in-one kits, he said. “Even with a negative result, it is important to take protective measures such as avoiding crowded areas, wearing a mask if you have to go out, and taking time off work,” advised Assoc Prof Young. There are several brands available in the pharmacies and online – as well as a kit that is being developed locally by Singapore-based company Cellbae. Funded by the Integrated Innovations In Infectious Diseases or I3D grant awarded by the National Medical Research Council, the prototype is currently being tested on students and staff from the National University of Singapore with flu-like illnesses. No commercial release date has been provided yet. With some options to choose from, how do you decide? “As long as the kit has been approved by the local health authorities, it would have met the necessary standards for quality and accuracy,” said Assoc Prof Young. “Some kits are easier to use than others, and some may even test for additional viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus – a four-in-one test,” he said. “But otherwise, the general public can opt for the cheapest option. Source: CNA/bk
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