Can Anyone Perform A Home RSV or Flu Test

Dec, 2022 - By WMR

Currently, it appears that the entire nation is facing a variety of infections, with RSV overcrowding hospitals with ill, young patients and influenza wreaking havoc on local communities.

Since you have already tested negative for COVID-19, you might be wondering what exactly you have if you're one among the many sick Americans right now. Is it the flu, RSV, or just a typical cold?

There are still a few solutions available, despite the fact that finding a test for influenza and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is not quite as convenient as the COVID-19 quick test. RSV is a typical culprit for cold-like symptoms, which can be dangerous for young children and the elderly.

According to James McKinney, a spokeswoman for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "there are currently no fully at-home testing for flu or RSV."

This is problematic for those who contract influenza since, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antiviral medications now available are most effective when taken early, one to two days following the onset of symptoms (CDC).

There is an at-home testing kit from Labcorp that the FDA approved under an emergency use permission earlier this year, even though you might not be able to acquire the findings there. By using a self-swabbing kit and sending the sample to a lab for testing, you can check for COVID-19, the flu, and RSV. The fee is a hefty $169 for people who are not insured or who do not satisfy the requirements for the option with no upfront costs.

If not RSV, there are also "a few home collection tests for flu/COVID," in accordance with McKinney. Additionally, CVS provides flu testing in-store at Minute Clinic locations.

Healthcare professionals at hospitals and urgent care facilities are able to test for both influenza and RSV if you're determined to find out what you have after exhibiting symptoms.