Respiratory Panel: Covid-19 & Flu Test

The Flu & COVID-19 tests can be used as a tool to help determine if you have an infection with Covid-19, Influenza A, or Influenza B.  All three are contagious and can spread quickly.

Flu A & B

Seasonal influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease in people (known as flu season) almost every winter in the United States. Influenza viruses infect the nose, throat, and lungs producing symptoms that include sudden fever, extreme fatigue, coughing, chills, and muscle aches.

Influenza A usually starts with a sudden onset of symptoms such as cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue, chills, and body aches. Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, which are more common in children. While it may sometimes resolve on its own, Influenza A is potentially the most serious type of flu infection, and severe cases can be life-threatening.

Influenza B accounts for far fewer overall infections during flu season. The symptoms are similar to those of Influenza A, though usually less severe and may seem like a common cold. However, respiratory symptoms like cough, congestion, sore throat, and runny nose can become severe, leading to conditions like pneumonia, kidney failure, and inflammation of the heart.

COVID -19

COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 that is contagious and can spread quickly.  COVID-19 can cause a wide range of symptoms that may be mild or severe. Most people with a Covid-19 infection have mild symptoms that can feel much like a cold or the flu but others can become severely ill. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease.

It is important to use a test to distinguish between diagnoses of treatable viruses like Influenza A or B and an infection with Coronavirus, which can require a period of isolation. If you have symptoms such as high fever, chills, sore throat, cough, and congestion, testing and contacting a healthcare provider immediately can help you receive appropriate treatment options and help protect those around you.

The populations at the highest risk for developing complications from any of these highly contagious viruses are those with weakened immune systems who:

• Are 65 years old and up

• Have a pre-existing medical condition like diabetes

• Are taking immunosuppressive medications for organ transplant or cancer

Complications from the flu can include gastroenteritis, pneumonia, and cardiac issues. However, anyone can get extremely sick if the flu is left untreated. Complications of infection with COVID-19 include heart disease, stroke, and may require a ventilator to support breathing. Long-term effects are known as “post-COVID-19 syndrome.” The single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and COVID-19, and their potentially serious complications, is to get vaccinated against the flu each year in September, and to follow the CDC's guidelines for staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.