AUSTIN, Texas -- Public health experts continue to anticipate another spike in coronavirus cases during flu season this fall. The coronavirus has been compared with the flu and they share a variety of symptoms, which leaves many to question which virus they have.

Now, UT Austin researchers are developing a sensor that can tell the difference between the two illnesses. It can also test for both simultaneously.

“We’re faced with two viral threats,” said Deji Akinwande, one of the researchers and a professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “Right now these tests have to be done separately, so it’s double testing. So when you have facilities that are already stretched thin, I think this will be a very adequate and welcome solution.”

The research team recently received a grant from the National Science Foundation for the work and is beginning the experimental process.

Akinwande also hopes the sensor will help with treatment and pointed to last winter when several people had the coronavirus but were misdiagnosed with influenza, which led to improper treatment.

“I think with this test we’re developing right now, people can know very early on what virus they have and then the proper treatment they need for their care can be deployed,” he said.

Click the video link above to watch our full interview with Akinwande.