Key takeaways:
At-home combination tests are now available for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19, and the flu (influenza). There is an over-the-counter (OTC) rapid antigen test and a mail-in PCR test.
You can get either a PCR combination test online or a rapid antigen test over-the-counter without a prescription from a healthcare professional. These test kits allow you to collect a sample to test for RSV at home.
OTC rapid antigen test results are immediate. You need to mail PCR test samples to the lab, and the results take 1 to 2 additional days to return.
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Every year, as the temperature begins to drop, the winter season brings a new round of coughing, runny noses, and fevers. When you feel these symptoms, it’s natural to wonder if it’s the flu (influenza), RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19, or all of the above. Or perhaps it’s something else altogether.
In previous years, you might have had to visit a healthcare professional to be tested. But now you can easily use at-home tests that can detect the flu, COVID, and RSV — all from one sample.
What is the at home RSV, COVID, and flu combination test?
Currently, there are two at-home testing options for RSV, the flu and COVID: Labcorp OnDemand COVID-19 + Flu + RSV Test and Flowflex Plus RSV + Flu A/B + COVID Home Test.
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The Labcorp OnDemand combination test has been FDA-authorized for use as a multi-analyte panel, or multiplex assay. This means that instead of taking separate nasal swab samples to check for each virus, you only need to take one. Since COVID, the flu, and RSV have many of the same symptoms, the test can help you figure out which virus is to blame.
The Flowflex Plus 4-in-1 combination test similarly only requires one nasal swab sample to check for RSV, the flu, and COVID. It has been FDA-cleared for use in adults and children ages 6 months and older.
With both test kits, you’ll get a positive or negative result for each virus. So you can figure out whether your symptoms are due to one of the viruses or a combination of two or more of the viruses.
Who should use a combination RSV, flu, and COVID test kit?
The Flowflex Plus home COVID, flu, and RSV combination test kit is available for anyone 6 months and older, while the Labcorp OnDemand at-home test kit is for anyone ages 2 and older. You have to be able to collect a good nasal sample to get the best accuracy. You can collect your own sample if you’re over age 18. Here’s what adults should do for teens and kids:
Supervise those ages 14 to 17
Collect samples for those ages 6 months to 13
The at-home test kit is a good tool for otherwise healthy people who have mild symptoms common to RSV, flu and COVID, such as:
Fever
Tiredness
Runny or stuffy nose
Cough
Sore throat
Most infections go away on their own. And over-the-counter (OTC) medications can relieve symptoms.
But if you’re wondering whether you need treatment, this test can help you work through your treatment options.
For example, antiviral prescription medications are available to treat the flu and COVID. On the other hand, treatment of mild to moderate RSV typically focuses on relieving symptoms.
Who should not use the at-home RSV, COVID, and flu combination test kit?
Testing for COVID, flu, and RSV at home may seem like the right thing to do. But those at high risk of serious complications may want to reach out to a healthcare professional first. Those more likely to get very sick from RSV, flu, and COVID, include:
Older adults (ages 65 and up)
People with a weak immune system
People with underlying health conditions, like heart or lung problems
People who aren’t up-to-date on vaccinations
And, be aware: To be effective, antiviral medications for flu and COVID must be started quickly. For flu, this means starting medication within 1 to 2 days of your symptoms first appearing. For COVID, it’s within 5 to 7 days. So, if you might need an antiviral drug, waiting for mail-away test results may not be the best choice. You may want to consider a test option providing rapid results.
How does the COVID, flu, and RSV combination test kit work?
Your test kit will include instructions. Here are the main steps:
Wash your hands.
Collect your sample with the swab in the kit.
If you have a rapid test, it works by detecting proteins from the viruses in your nasal swab sample. You'll get your results immediately after collecting your sample.
If you have a mail-in kit, you will need to follow these additional steps:
Write down the date and time that you collected your sample on the test kit paperwork. Otherwise, the lab may reject your sample.
After collecting your sample, use the prepaid packaging to send the kit back to Labcorp.
The mail-in test uses a technique called “reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction,” or RT-PCR. PCR tests are typically very good at detecting infection. They use RNA to identify the genetic material of a virus in a sample. With multi-analyte panels, the PCR test looks for a match with the following:
Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, or COVID)
Influenza A or B (flu)
RSV
How long does the at-home RSV test take to get results?
The time it takes for the results of your at-home RSV test to be available depends on which test you have. For the FlowFlex Plus 4-in-1 test, results are available within 15 minutes.
If you are using the mail-in test, you'll have to wait for the lab to receive the sample from your test kit. Once Labcorp receives your sample, it takes about 1 to 2 days to get your results.
Does the combination test kit detect different COVID variants?
Yes, both at-home combination test kits can detect known SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) variants, including Delta and Omicron.
What does a negative test result mean?
A “negative” result means the test didn’t find any evidence of viral material in your sample. This means you probably don’t have COVID, the flu, or RSV.
It’s possible that you could get a “false-negative” result. This means the test is negative, even when you actually do have a viral infection. Perhaps you tested too early in your illness, or you didn’t get a good enough sample. Keep in mind that you are more likely to get a false-negative with a rapid test than with the laboratory PCR test. If your symptoms continue, consider testing again and calling a healthcare professional for guidance.
No matter your test result, practice good infection prevention while you have symptoms. This includes keeping distance from others — especially those with weaker immune systems, the very young, and older adults.
What does a positive test result mean?
A “positive” result means the test detected viral material in your sample. This means you have COVID, the flu, or RSV. It’s unlikely that you’ll test positive and not have the infection (a false positive). Contact a healthcare professional for next steps, which may include self-care or prescription treatment. In the meantime, since you’re probably contagious, self-isolate to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Where can you get a COVID, flu, and RSV combination test kit?
You can find the OTC rapid COVID, flu, and RSV combination test kit online and in-store at any major retail pharmacy. It's lower cost than the mail-in test and you can typically find a test kit in a retail store for less than $25.
You can order the mail-in test directly from the manufacturer’s website. It’s known as an “on-demand” test, which means that you don’t need a prescription from a healthcare professional to order the test.
This test currently costs $129. Labcorp doesn’t bill health insurance for its on-demand tests. You’ll need to pay the $129 cost upfront. Then, you can work with your benefits provider to figure out if and how you could be reimbursed.
If you have a health savings account (HSA), you may be able to use those funds to cover the cost of the at-home test. To figure out if the combination test is an eligible expense, work with your benefits provider.
Frequently asked questions
For generally healthy people, RSV symptoms will go away within a week or two. But even once you’re feeling better, your RSV test can still stay positive for several weeks.
If you test positive for RSV, check in with a healthcare professional. They can help you understand when you’re most contagious and how to best monitor your recovery.
If you’re concerned about RSV in your infant or toddler, talk to your pediatrician. They may be able to diagnose your child based on symptoms alone. They can also do a nasal wash or swab to test for RSV if needed.
If your child is having difficulties breathing — or their symptoms are getting worse — you should go to urgent care or the emergency room as soon as possible.
Yes, but it depends on availability. Many urgent care centers do offer flu, COVID, and RSV testing, but services vary by location. It’s best to call ahead before you go, to see what type of testing the clinic offers.
For generally healthy people, RSV symptoms will go away within a week or two. But even once you’re feeling better, your RSV test can still stay positive for several weeks.
If you test positive for RSV, check in with a healthcare professional. They can help you understand when you’re most contagious and how to best monitor your recovery.
If you’re concerned about RSV in your infant or toddler, talk to your pediatrician. They may be able to diagnose your child based on symptoms alone. They can also do a nasal wash or swab to test for RSV if needed.
If your child is having difficulties breathing — or their symptoms are getting worse — you should go to urgent care or the emergency room as soon as possible.
Yes, but it depends on availability. Many urgent care centers do offer flu, COVID, and RSV testing, but services vary by location. It’s best to call ahead before you go, to see what type of testing the clinic offers.
The bottom line
It can be difficult to tell the difference between COVID, the flu, and RSV based on symptoms alone. Testing is important because treatments for different viruses can vary. You can now test at home for each virus with a combination test kit. You can either order a test online or buy one over-the-counter with no prescription from a healthcare professional needed.
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References
ACON Laboratories. (2025). ACON Laboratories Announces Breakthrough 4-in-1 Flowflex® Plus RSV + Flu A/B + COVID Home Test.
Berg, S. (2025). What doctors wish patients knew about RSV infection. American Medical Association.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). RSV in infants and young children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Types of COVID-19 treatment.
Labcorp. (n.d.). COVID-19 + flu + RSV test home collection kit.
Larkin, H. D. (2022). First nonprescription COVID-19 test that also detects flu and RSV. JAMA.
National Human Genome Research Institute. (2022). Understanding COVID-19 PCR testing. National Institutes of Health.
O’Shaughnessy, J. A., et al. (2022). Labcorp seasonal respiratory virus RT-PCR DTC test [letter to Laboratory Corporation of America]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
