3 ms·
>I never understood why Covid 19 tests are easily available, but other corona/influenza/rhino/roto/nora/adeno/entero/etc are not. Simplest answer: because due
by Arainach 2y ago
>I never understood why Covid 19 tests are easily available, but other corona/influenza/rhino/roto/nora/adeno/entero/etc are not.
Simplest answer: because due to the contagious nature of the virus there was a large economic incentive to being able to rapidly and accurately assess whether someone was sick, and because many businesses/governments had explicit rules around attending while infected with COVID. Similar resources and rules were not in place for other viruses.
Full answer: because it's a novel, actively evolving virus that poses significant health risks and is significantly more contagious than the other viruses you mentioned.
- kube-system 2y agoAnd I think diagnostic tests are generally regarded as requiring the interpretation of a professional.
- maxerickson 2y agoCombo antigen tests have been available in other countries for quite some time (COVID, Flu and RSV), for pretty low cost. The FDA is concerned that we are stupid, so we aren't allowed to use them.
- Ferret7446 2y agoI think the actual simplest answer can be understood if you take a look at the account statements of pharmaceutical companies around 2020.