Researchers in academia and biotech firms are working to develop devices that can detect if a person has COVID-19 by analyzing their breath. Respiratory infections, like the one caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus and influenza viruses, cause changes in our metabolism. These changes result in volatile organic chemicals, which are present in exhaled breath. Several groups are developing “breathalyzers” for COVID-19 and other contagious respiratory infections.
