The COVID-19 and Flu Test detects RNA from 3 viruses (COVID-19, influenza A, and influenza B) with just 1 nasal swab. Because some of the symptoms of COVID-19 and flu are similar but treated differently testing helps identify which virus you may have. You can also be infected with both flu and COVID-19 at the same time.
Both COVID-19 and flu can have symptoms that range from none (asymptomatic) to severe. Symptoms that are common to both illnesses include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/having chills
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain or body ache
- Headache
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Loss of or change in taste or smell (more frequent with COVID-19)
Not everyone with one of these infections will present all symptoms
The COVID-19 and Flu Test is a molecular or nucleic acid test (for example “PCR” test), which checks for genetic material (viral RNA) produced by the virus. This test uses a nasal swab collection kit, which is authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), and will be used to test for COVID-19, an illness caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, as well as influenza A and B. The test does not check for influenza C.
Your appointment
Your appointment will be for observed self-collection of a nasal swab sample at a drive-thru location. You’ll swab your nose while in your vehicle, observed by a trained healthcare professional to ensure the sample is collected correctly. Then you’ll drop the sealed sample into a container on your way out of the drive-thru location. Appointments are required to complete your purchase. Drive-thru locations may be limited or unavailable in some areas, and collection hours may vary by location.
You don’t need to do anything to prepare for the test, such as fasting or not taking medications. Additional instructions will be provided during your appointment.
This test may be helpful if:
- You are experiencing symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, tiredness, body or muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, and/or runny or stuffy nose
- You live or work in a place where people reside, meet, or gather in close proximity (this can include healthcare settings, homeless shelters, assisted living facilities, group homes, prisons, detention centers, schools, and workplaces)
- You have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19
- Your employer, public health department, contact investigator, or healthcare provider has identified you as someone who should get tested
- You are trying to determine if a prior infection with COVID-19 has resolved
This test may not be helpful if you:
- Currently have severe symptoms that limit your daily activities. Severe symptoms may include, but are not limited to, persistent fever (lasting longer than 48 hours) greater than 102 °F or a persistent low-grade fever, severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, continuous pain or pressure in the chest, severe coughing spells or coughing up blood, abdominal (gut) pain, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, irregular heartbeat, confusion, blue lips or face, dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling too weak to stand, feeling very tired or lethargic, slurred speech or seizures, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or feeling not well enough to stay home. Seek medical attention right away if this is the case
- Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 3 months. When you test positive, you will not need to be tested again for 3 months, as long as you do not develop new symptoms. For some individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, parts of the virus may continue to be in their samples for up to 3 months, although they may not be contagious during this time
- Do not have symptoms and none of the above statements apply to you
About COVID-19
COVID-19 is highly contagious. Cases of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. Most people infected with this virus have mild symptoms. Some people who are infected don’t have any symptoms and don’t feel sick but can still transmit the virus to others. More severe cases of COVID-19 have been seen in older adults and those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health issues. However, serious illness can also occur in younger adults.
About the flu
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza A and B viruses. It infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. There are 2 main types of influenza (flu) viruses: Types A and B. Some people, such as those who are 65 or older, young children, and people with certain health conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, are at higher risk of serious flu complications.
IMPORTANT: Please seek immediate medical care if you have signs of a serious medical condition. These include, but are not limited to, persistent fever (lasting longer than 48 hours) greater than 102 °F or a persistent low-grade fever, severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, continuous pain or pressure in the chest, severe coughing spells or coughing up blood, irregular heartbeat, confusion, blue lips or face, dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling too weak to stand, feeling very tired or lethargic, slurred speech or seizures, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or feeling not well enough to stay home.
Other helpful resources include:
While you wait for your results
Testing conditions continue to evolve. You can stay up-to-date on We are committed to doing everything we can to provide you with timely results during these challenging times.
After receiving your results, you will have an opportunity to speak with a licensed physician, who can answer any questions you may have about your test results and help determine next steps in care. We highly recommend that you speak with your healthcare provider regarding your next steps as well.
We suggest you continue to follow your federal, state and local government guidance around social distancing and COVID-19 safety precautions.
Your results
Test results will be available in MyQuest, our secure patient portal that you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. If your results are positive (detected), it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately, self-isolate, and monitor your symptoms. If your results are negative (not detected), you were most likely not infected at the time of sample collection; however, it is important to note that in some cases there is not enough RNA in the sample to detect one or more of the viruses. This can happen sometimes during the early stages of infection. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation, and to take protective measures to avoid infecting others.
Fees and payment
Individuals may have COVID-19 testing fully paid by their health plan or the government. If you are looking for that option, see if you’re eligible contact your healthcare provider.
Individuals also have the right to have testing without submitting to insurance or the government for reimbursement. With QuestDirect, you can purchase this testing online. This option is only for individuals who want to pay directly for the testing and do not plan to seek reimbursement.
If you choose to purchase services through this website using a credit card, the services purchased are your financial responsibility. Orange County Labs is unable to provide a receipt that contains the information generally required by health plans for reimbursement. View COVID-19 Pricing Information.
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 nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus and influenza B virus
, 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.
