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COVID-19, Flu, and RSV test

There's more than just the flu to worry about this fall. If you're not feeling well, it could be SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), flu, or a sinus infection (respiratory syncytial virus or RSV). Symptoms of these respiratory infections are often similar, making it difficult to determine what might be making you feel sick.

With just 1 combination swab, the COVID-19, Flu, and RSV test helps you and your doctor determine if you have COVID-19, the flu, or RSV. It eliminates the need for multiple tests or doctor visits, and can help you get the right treatment plan as soon as possible. The combination testing approach helps increase testing capacity during the busy flu season and speeds up the time to a diagnosis.

How to get tested

Contact your doctor or healthcare provider to request a Quest COVID-19, Flu, and RSV swab test.

 

Once you have your test order, make an appointment to have your sample collected at a Quest Patient Service Center.

 

 

 

 

Who can get tested

Combination testing is recommended only if you are experiencing symptoms of a viral respiratory illness. Symptoms commonly include fever, chills, headache, tiredness, cough, and sinus congestion. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may also occur, primarily in children, but are less common.

How the test works

Only 1 sample is taken via nasal swab, and it is then tested for influenza A and B, RSV, and COVID-19—all at the same time. The test results will rule in or rule out each of the viral infections.

Getting test results through MyQuest®

Your Quest test results can be sent to you automatically through the secure MyQuest® online portal. This is usually the quickest way to get results.

 

Don’t have MyQuest? Sign up now to get your test results online.

Accuracy

Better

Results turnaround

Typically 1-2 days

from sample collection

Test method

Nasal swab

Is it COVID-19, flu, or RSV?

Whether caused by COVID-19, influenza, or RSV, the symptoms can be very similara:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle pain or body aches
  • Headache
  • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

If you have symptoms

If you have symptoms that could be from the flu, RSV, or COVID-19, you should quarantine as a precaution. Call your healthcare provider and discuss your symptoms before any visit for testing.

Knowing if you have COVID-19 means you can take steps to avoid spreading the disease and alert those who you were in contact with who may have been exposed. If diagnosed early, there may be more treatment options available to you.

Regardless of your test result, you should continue to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety practices.

Other COVID-19 test options

Active infection
Rapid antigen
COVID and Flu

COVID-19/FLU/RSV molecular test

  • This test has not been FDA cleared or approved;
  • This test has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories;
  • This test has been authorized only for the simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of nucleic acids from SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and not for any other viruses or pathogens;
  • This test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. 

References:

a. CDC. Similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19. Updated June 7, 2021. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm

Still have questions?

Visit our full list of COVID-19 FAQs

All FAQs

Infectious disease

Discuss with your doctor

Regardless of your test result, you should discuss your results with your doctor and continue to follow any safety precautions recommended by public health experts. This can help you and your community better manage the risks and benefits of resuming daily activities.

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