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COVID-19 and Flu test

Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and flu can be similar, making it difficult to determine what might be making you feel sick.

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

How to get tested

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

 

If you are uninsured, see if you qualify for $0 out-of-pocket testing options at select Quest locations.

 

You can also purchase a combo test at questhealth.com.

Who can get tested

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends co-testing for COVID-19 and influenza if you are experiencing any symptoms of either condition.

 

Overlapping symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and sore throat.

How the test works

Only 1 sample is taken via nasal swab, and it is then tested for both influenza A and B, as well as 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 or flu?

Whether caused by COVID-19, influenza, or another respiratory illness, the symptoms can be very similar :

  • 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 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, Flu, and RSV

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

 

COVID-19 testing statements

  • The Cepheid SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B and RSV test, the cobas® SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A/B Test and the Quest SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test and other molecular tests (“Tests”) have not been FDA cleared or approved.
  • The Roche® test has been authorized only for the detection of RNA from SARS-CoV-2 virus, Influenza A virus, and Influenza B virus and not any other viruses or pathogens.
  • The Cepheid SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B and RSV 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;
  • The Cepheid SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B and RSV 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.
  • The Roche test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorized of the emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 virus, Influenza A, and Influenza B under section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb- 3(b)(1), unless the authorized is terminated or revoked sooner.
  • The Tests have been authorized by the FDA under an EUA for use by laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), 42 U.S.C. § 263a, to perform moderate and high complexity tests.
  • The Quest test and other molecular tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens.
  • The Quest test and other molecular tests are 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 Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

 

About the FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Status

This test has been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This means that while Quest Diagnostics has validated the test and has the data to believe the test and the collection kit are accurate, 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 detection of IgG Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and, this test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use on in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(B)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360BBB-3(B)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. Additional studies need to be conducted for this test and others like it to be FDA cleared or approved.

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.

Our company

Quest® is the brand name used for services offered by Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and its affiliated companies. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and certain affiliates are CLIA certified laboratories that provide HIPAA covered services.  Other affiliates operated under the Quest® brand, such as Quest Consumer Inc., do not provide HIPAA covered services. 

 

Quest, Quest Diagnostics, any associated logos, and all associated Quest Diagnostics registered or unregistered trademarks are the property of Quest Diagnostics. All third-party marks—® and ™—are the property of their respective owners. © 2023 Quest Diagnostics Incorporated. All rights reserved. Image content features models and is intended for illustrative purposes only.

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