Someone just invented a cheap and portable device that has the potential to prevent the spreading of the flu virus.

Perena Gouma, a University of Texas at Arlington professor, invented a breath monitor that can tell if a person has the flu. UTA released a press release on Jan.31 detailing Gouma and her team's invention which is being described as revolutionary.

The hand-held breathalyzer works by simply having someone exhale into the device. Semiconductor sensors within the breathalyzer will then detect and isolate biomarkers that are connected with the flu virus. The presence of such biomarkers will indicate that the person tested has the flu.

What makes the portable breathalyzer a revolutionary device is its potential to change personalized diagnostics for the better. It is easy to use, cheap, and as accurate as the expensive machinery used in hospitals and clinics. According to PC Mag, Gouma's invention may become a staple in drug stores.

The flu-detecting device is similar to the device used by police authorities to check the blood alcohol level of intoxicated drivers. The sensors in the breathalyzer, meanwhile, are similar to those used in a household carbon monoxide detector.

Gouma, who is connected with the UTA's Materials Science and Engineering Department, got some much-needed help from the National Science Foundation which spearheaded the Smart Connected Health program. Gouma also sees the possibility of using the mechanics and ideas behind the flu-detecting breathalyzer to create similar devices that detect other viruses and diseases such as Ebola.

The tech and medical industry continue to work hand-in-hand in providing people with better ways, big or small, of dealing with medical problems. Facebook, for one, has released the Medical ID feature which is simply a way for other people to know if the Facebook user is in need of medical assistance. Like the Facebook feature, the breathalyzer is an example of a little simple idea that may go a long way in saving lives and staying healthy.