COVID and Flu Testing Specialist

What are COVID and flu testing?

COVID and flu testing are screening procedures that determine if you have the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) or the seasonal flu (influenza). 

If you develop COVID or flu-like symptoms, it’s crucial to undergo testing. Other conditions that aren’t contagious, like allergies and asthma, present similar side effects. A positive test can alert you to infection and protect your friends, family members, and colleagues.

When should I consider COVID and flu testing?

Make an appointment at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates for COVID and flu testing if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Loss of taste and smell
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Trouble breathing

If you have COVID-19 or the seasonal flu, you might also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.

What are the types of COVID and flu testing?

Fivestar Pulmonary Associates offers several types of COVID and flu testing, including:

COVID antigen tests

A COVID antigen test analyzes your mucus or saliva for the presence of antigens –– proteins created by the novel coronavirus. If you have COVID-19, antibodies in the test bind to them, causing a positive result.

Polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) COVID tests

A PCR COVID test analyzes a sample of your mucus or saliva for the presence of genetic material from the COVID-19 virus. PCR tests are very accurate because they look for multiple viral genes instead of just one.

Flu tests

A flu test analyzes a sample of your mucus or saliva for the presence of the influenza virus. If your test comes back positive, your Fivestar Pulmonary Associates physician makes treatment recommendations.

How long does it take to get the results of COVID and flu testing?

Fivestar Pulmonary Associates provides results for COVID and flu testing within 24 hours and sometimes sooner.* 

Immediately after your physician receives the results from the lab, they call you and explain the next steps. 

What can I do to reduce my risk of COVID and the flu?

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of catching COVID-19 or the flu. The team at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates recommends:

• Staying up to date on your immunizations
• Washing your hands regularly with soap and water
• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Staying at home if you feel sick
• Maintaining your distance from others in crowded situations

If you’d like to undergo COVID and flu testing, make an appointment at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates by calling the office or booking online today.

*Individual results may vary.