The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today cleared for marketing a test that simultaneously detects and identifies 12 specific respiratory viruses.

The test, called the xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel, is the first test for the detection and differentiation of influenza A subtypes H1 and H3. Influenza A is the most severe form of influenza for humans, and has been the cause of major epidemics. The new panel is also the first test for human metapneumovirus (hMPV), newly identified in 2001

The flu has yet to hit real hard yet this year, yet many are reporting getting sick and researchers say its because a lot more infectious agents besides the flu give reason to worry.

Metapneumovirus. Rhinoviruses. Coronaviruses. Parainfluenza and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are found on doorknobs, faucets, and appliance handles all around