Coming Soon: A Piece of Gum That Can Tell You If You Have the Flu
Forget swabs—scientists say gum could soon change how we test for flu at home
Picture this: It’s officially flu season. You’ve been invited to a get-together with friends and would love to attend, but have been dealing with headaches and a fever the past few days. Is it just a minor cold, or could it be the flu and you need to cancel your plans? Soon, testing for the flu could be as easy as chewing a piece of gum. It sounds like science fiction, but researchers are making it a reality—and it could be available within the next decade. No more waiting days for a doctor’s appointment or wondering if you’re contagious at family gatherings. Just pop a piece of gum designed to detect the flu and within minutes you’ll know if you’re sick. Here’s what you need to know about this breakthrough new type of diagnostic testing.
The flu can cause complications for women over 50
If you’ve been diagnosed with the flu several times in your life, you may think of it as no big deal. But getting the flu can put us at risk for unwanted complications, especially as we age.
“The flu causes stress to your body, which can affect your blood pressure, heart rate and heart function,” says Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis. “There’s evidence that heart attacks happen more often during or immediately after an illness like the flu. For women over 50, the immune system naturally becomes less efficient, and hormonal changes after menopause can affect heart and lung function. That combination can make recovery harder and complications more likely. It’s one reason the flu shot is so important every year.”
Woman's World Answers
How the flu is diagnosed right now
“Right now, the flu is usually diagnosed with a simple nasal or throat swab,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “Rapid flu tests work by detecting a certain flu virus protein (or antigen) and can give results in about 15 to 30 minutes. Antigen tests can only determine if you have an active virus in your body, though they’re not always perfect.”
If you previously tested negative with a rapid test but still feel sick, your doctor may recommend a type of flu test known as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. “This is more accurate and known as a molecular test that detects the genetic material (RNA) of the flu virus [even in small amounts],” Dr. Dasgupta continues. “Your symptoms like fever, body aches and fatigue also help guide the diagnosis.”
How chewing gum could detect the flu virus
In a small study published in ACS Central Science, scientists tested saliva from 34 people who were hospitalized with confirmed cases of the flu. The researchers mixed the saliva with a special chemical sensor that releases a taste molecule called thymol, the compound that gives thyme its flavor, when it detects the flu. When participants with the flu chewed the special gum, they tasted thyme within 30 minutes, indicating a positive test result for the flu virus.
The scientists say that one day, this method could be used in gum that’s widely available, where people who can taste the spice thyme would know they might have the flu. Dr. Dasgupta says this research points to exciting future advancements in flu detection.
“The thought of chewing gum and instantly knowing you might have the flu is pretty incredible.” —Raj Dasgupta, MD
“It’s a really creative idea,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “The thought of chewing gum and instantly knowing you might have the flu is pretty incredible. It could make testing fast and accessible, especially in places without easy access to medical care. Of course, it’s still in the research phase, so it’ll take time to prove it works safely and accurately, but it’s an exciting direction for at-home health tools.”
When will the flu-detecting gum be available?
If you’re totally on board with this method, know it may take a bit longer than you expect—but it’s not too far away.
“It’ll probably take several years, maybe five to 10, before something like this could be available,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “Scientists need to test it on larger groups, make sure it works reliably and get it approved for public use. These things always take time, but if it continues to show promise, we could see prototypes or early versions within the next decade.”
And if you’re more old-school and prefer traditional methods to detect the flu, know that the chewing gum test won’t be your only option in the future.
“PCR tests in labs are extremely accurate and will remain the gold standard for now,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “But this kind of gum test could serve as a quick, easy screening tool, something that helps you know when to stay home or go get a formal test. The goal wouldn’t necessarily be to replace lab testing, but to make early detection a lot more convenient.”
Why early flu detection matters
This research on thyme gum points to an exciting world where knowing if you have the flu is simpler than ever. But until it’s actually on shelves, here’s what Dr. Dasgupta wants women to know about the flu.
“Don’t brush off the flu, it’s not just a bad cold,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “It can hit harder and lead to serious complications, especially as we get older. The flu shot is your best protection, and it’s worth getting every year. Make sure you’re also sleeping well, staying hydrated, washing your hands often and checking in with your doctor if you start feeling worse instead of better. Prevention and early action really make a difference.”
The future of flu detection is bright, and innovations like chewing gum tests show how science is working to make staying healthy easier than ever. Until then, you have the power to protect yourself and your loved ones with simple, proven steps.
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