By Stephen Beech

Flu could quickly be diagnosed at home by simply chewing gum, suggests a new study.

With flu season fast approaching, scientists say the taste-based influenza test would remove the need for taking nasal swabs from patients.

German scientists have designed a new molecular sensor to release a thyme flavor when it encounters the flu virus.

They plan to incorporate a low-tech sensor into gum or lozenges to increase at-home screenings and potentially prevent pre-symptomatic transmission of the disease.

Study leader Professor Lorenz Meinel says staying at home is critical to preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as influenza.

But people with the flu are contagious before they develop symptoms.

Current ways of diagnosing flu – such as nasal swab-based PCR te

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