Here’s Where You Can Go to Get a Flu Test Right Now

Getting sick during cold and flu season is no fun. And now it’s harder than ever to figure out what’s making you feel ill. Your symptoms alone can’t tell you whether you have the flu, COVID-19, or another virus. And the cause of your symptoms can have a real impact on your daily life. You want to know whether to isolate yourself and if you need to start treatment for COVID or the flu. 

So, if you have flu symptoms and flu is circulating, it’s a good idea to get a flu test — as soon as possible. This is especially true if you’re pregnant, over 65 years old, or have medical conditions that affect your heart, lungs, or immune system.

Prescription flu treatments — like Tamiflu (oseltamivir), Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil), and Relenza (zanamivir) — work best if they’re started within 48 hours of when symptoms start. 

1. Retail pharmacies

Some retail pharmacies (like CVS, Walgreens, and grocery-store pharmacies) can be a convenient place to get a flu test. Depending on the location, some offer flexible hours, walk-in access, and multiple testing options. In some places, pharmacy staff or clinic providers can do flu tests in-store. They also sell some test kits that you can use at home.

In-store testing

• Pharmacies commonly offer rapid flu tests with results in about 15 minutes.

• Many locations now provide combo tests that check for flu and COVID in a single swab, with results in 10-20 minutes.

• A healthcare professional will use a nasal swab or supervise as you collect your own sample.

• Testing availability varies, so check ahead online or by phone to see if your pharmacy offers it. Some locations require appointments; others accept walk-ins.

At-home testing

• Pharmacies also sell FDA-authorized rapid home tests that combine flu A/B and COVID testing.

• Examples include iHealth COVID-19/Flu A&B 3-in-1, Flowflex Plus COVID-19 & Flu A/B, and Healgen Rapid Check COVID-19/Flu A&B.

• These tests work much like in-store rapid antigen tests: you collect a nasal swab and get results in about 15-20 minutes.

In most cases, flu tests offered in retail pharmacies are rapid flu tests, also known as antigen tests. Rapid tests are popular because they offer very quick results. But rapid flu tests have one drawback: They’re not the most sensitive test for the flu. So false-negative results are common. If you have flu symptoms during peak flu season and you have a negative rapid flu test, the staff at your pharmacy may recommend that you get a more sensitive test.

2. Urgent care centers

Urgent care centers are a common place to get tested for the flu. Most offer flu testing, though availability can vary, so it’s best to call ahead. Like pharmacies, they usually have extended hours and accept walk-ins, though some may require appointments. They’re easy to find in cities and suburbs, but options may be limited in rural areas.

The type of testing offered depends on the clinic:

• Rapid antigen tests: These are similar to those used in pharmacies, with results in about 15 minutes. These are the least sensitive type of flu test. In other words, false-negatives are common.

• Rapid molecular assays: These are more accurate than rapid antigen tests, with results in about 30 minutes.

• RT-PCR tests: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests use special equipment and are the most sensitive type of test for flu. If your urgent care is affiliated with a hospital or large lab, then they might offer this type of test. Results usually return within several hours to a day.

• Multiplex tests: These tests are designed to test for multiple seasonal viruses, like COVID, flu A/B, and RSV — all on one nasal swab. These tests also use special equipment and can be more expensive. Results can take several hours to a day, depending on lab turnaround. 

3. Your primary care provider’s office

Many primary care offices offer flu testing during peak flu season, although availability depends on the size of the practice and whether they keep tests in stock. It may be harder to get a same-day appointment with your primary care provider than with an urgent care clinic or retail pharmacy. But the benefit is that your provider already knows your medical history. And, they can help you decide on the best course of treatment if you do have the flu. They can also check in with you during recovery and manage any complications.

Like urgent care centers, your primary care provider’s office may offer different types of flu tests. Some may only have access to rapid tests. Others may offer more accurate tests, like rapid molecular assays, RT-PCR tests, and multiplex tests, especially if they’re connected to a hospital or large medical facility. 

But here’s another benefit of seeing your primary care provider: If you have a negative rapid test and your provider is still concerned that you have the flu, they can start you on treatment. And even if they don’t have more accurate testing available in the office, they can send your sample to an outside lab for a more sensitive test.

4. Your own home

You can test yourself for the flu at home with an over-the-counter test. You can also collect a sample at home with a self-collection kit and mail it to a laboratory. These options work differently, so check the test’s instructions before you begin.

Frequently asked questions

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Tracy Norfleet, MD, FACP

Dr. Tracy Norfleet is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician, health expert, and physician leader with over 20 years of experience practicing adult medicine. Dual-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Tracy possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in both traditional medical practices and innovative lifestyle interventions for chronic disease management and reversal.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and technology.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts