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Patients and individuals

COVID-19, Flu and RSV Testing Information and Resources

Not every sniffle is the same—take one test to find out if your symptoms are COVID, flu or RSV.

It’s normal for the winter bring an increase in respiratory viruses, but this year has seen both flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating earlier than normal in the U.S. This early flu and RSV activity, combined with COVID-19, has led to surges in hospitalizations across the country in what some are calling a “tripledemic.”

With many hospitals around the country already feeling the strain of surging flu and RSV cases, it’s important to understand these viruses and their symptoms, as well as your options for testing.

RSV vs. COVID-19 vs. flu.  How do they compare?

RSV symptoms—like flu and COVID-19 symptoms—are typically mild but can become serious and require hospitalization in some cases, particularly in infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know the difference between flu, COVID-19 and RSV because they share so many symptoms—including cough, runny nose, fever and sore throat. But there are some differences.

For example, where flu symptoms tend to come on quickly and intensely, RSV and COVID-19 symptoms can take longer to evolve. Fever is another example, appearing more frequently in those with flu and COVID-19 than in those with RSV.

You can learn more about the specific differences between these viruses and their symptoms on our blog, but there’s only one way to be sure what’s causing your symptoms: testing.

Test for COVID-19, flu and RSV—with one swab

We offer the only at-home collection kit that tests for COVID-19, flu and RSV with a single swab. Contact your doctor or request a home collection kit through Labcorp OnDemand.

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COVID-19, Flu and RSV News & Education

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Little kids schoolchildren pupils students running hurrying to the school building for classes lessons from to the school bus. Welcome back to school. The new academic semester year start

Testing is self-care: Keeping safe from COVID, colds, the flu and RSV this autumn

Back to school. Holiday gatherings. And staying inside to keep warm! The fall brings cooler temperatures but also more exposure to contagious diseases and seasonal allergies.

Colds, allergies, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are an inevitable part of autumn and winter. However, the sniffles don’t always mean COVID-19. There are tests for just about any of the typical sniffle-causing ailments you may encounter during the colder parts of the year.

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Summer vacation and gathering tips for our third summer of the COVID-19 pandemic

Summer is in full swing! We’ve compiled a few tips to help you feel even more confident in your gathering and travel plans this year.

Woman putting mask on child to protect from COVID-19

COVID-19 Antibody levels: More may be better

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a lot of talk about testing. Usually, people are referring to diagnostic testing performed with a nasal swab. However, another type of testing—one that requires a blood test and that you may not know about—has been around nearly the whole time.

That testing is for assessing antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Routine testing for body fever on population during COVID-19 crisis

Demystifying “Flurona”: Dual Viral Infection Is More Common Than You May Think

Since the start of the year, you’ve undoubtedly been hearing more and more about “Flurona.” You may be asking yourself, “Is this even possible? Why are we seeing this now? What can I do to protect myself and my loved ones?” 

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Why Viral Variants Like Omicron Are Emerging: A Viral Variation 101

When the COVID-19 pandemic started, we had a singular enemy: the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, now it seems that there are multiple enemies, with the emergence of variants like Delta and Omicron. How did this happen?