Mobile & Same-Day
Flu & COVID-19 Testing
On Your Own Schedule 

The Xpert Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus test is a rapid, multiplexed real-time RT-PCR test intended for the simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of RNA from SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, and/or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in either nasopharyngeal swab, anterior nasal swab or nasal wash/ aspirate specimens collected from individuals suspected of respiratory viral infection, consistent with COVID-19, by their healthcare provider. Clinical signs and symptoms of respiratory viral infection due to SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV can be similar. Source: Cepheid.com

Compared with flu, COVID-19 can cause more severe illness in some people. Compared to people with flu, people infected with COVID-19 may take longer to show symptoms and may be contagious for longer periods of time. You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by the symptoms alone because they have some of the same signs and symptoms. Specific testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis. Having a medical professional administer a specific test that detects both flu and COVID-19 allows you to get diagnosed and treated for the specific virus you have more quickly. Getting treated early for COVID-19 and flu can reduce your risk of getting very sick. Testing can also reveal if someone has both flu and COVID-19 at the same time, although this is uncommon. People with flu and COVID-19 at the same time can have more severe disease than people with either flu or COVID-19 alone. Additionally, some people with COVID-19 may also be affected by post-COVID conditions (also known as long COVID). Flu: Typically, a person may experience symptoms anywhere from one to four days after infection. COVID-19: Typically, a person may experience symptoms anywhere from two to five days, and up to 14 days after infection. Source: Cdc.gov

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: fever* or feeling feverish/chills cough sore throat runny or stuffy nose muscle or body aches headaches fatigue (tiredness) Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. *It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. Sources: Cdc.gov, Youtube.com

Your test results will determine whether you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B and/or RSV. If your results are positive for one of more of the viruses, it is important to monitor your symptoms, self-isolate, and limit sharing of items and spaces to prevent others around you from getting sick. If your results are negative, the viruses were not detected in the sample you provided for testing. However, it is important to note that viruses may not be detected by the test in early stages of infection. Furthermore, the viruses may not be detected if the sample is not collected appropriately. After receiving your results, you will have the opportunity to speak with a remote licensed healthcare provider who can answer any questions you may have about your test results and help determine next steps in care.

Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms. Common symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share include: Fever or feeling feverish/having chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue (tiredness) Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle pain or body aches Headache Vomiting Diarrhea (more frequent in children with flu, but can occur in any age with COVID-19) Change in or loss of taste or smell, although this is more frequent with COVID-19. Source: Cdc.gov

Similarities: For both COVID-19 and flu, one or more days can pass from when a person becomes infected to when they start to experience symptoms of illness. It is possible to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 without experiencing any symptoms. It is also possible to be infected with flu viruses without having any symptoms. Differences: If a person has COVID-19, it could take them longer from the time of infection to experience symptoms than if they have flu.

Flu: People with flu virus infection are potentially contagious for about one day before they show symptoms. However, it is believed that flu is spread mainly by people who are symptomatic with flu virus infection. Older children and adults with flu appear to be most contagious during the first 3-4 days of their illness, but some people might remain contagious for slightly longer periods. Infants and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for even longer. COVID-19: If a person has COVID-19, they could be contagious for a longer time than if they have flu. On average, people can begin spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 2-3 days before their symptoms begin, but infectiousness peaks one day before their symptoms begin. People can also spread the virus that causes COVID-19 without experiencing any symptoms. On average, people are considered contagious for about eight days after their symptoms began.

Similarities: Both COVID-19 and flu illness can result in severe illness and complications. Those at increased risk include: Older adults People with certain underlying medical conditions (including infants and children) People who are pregnant Differences: Overall, COVID-19 seems to cause more severe illness in some people. Severe COVID-19 illness resulting in hospitalization and death can occur even in healthy people. Some people that had COVID-19 can go on to develop post-COVID conditions or multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS)

Unfortunately, our influenza and COVID-19 tests are not covered by insurance plans but they are highly affordable and sometimes cheaper than a copay at an urgent care or primary care clinic.

The costs of these tests are inclusive (no extra, mileage fees). $149 for Flu A/B/RSV RT-PCR $169 for Flu A/B/RSV/ COVID-19 RT-PCR These tests best apply to: Those who desire a quick and accurate PCR testing for a peace of mind, travel, screening for work or school, or other activities. Elders and those who are immobile, in a nursing home, assisted living facility, and to those who want to skip the hassle of traveling to a lab for testing. Click here to schedule a remote consult with a licensed and local healthcare provider. A consult fee may apply. Please visit HRSA.gov for more information, please visit the Harris County Public Health, or the Harris County Health Centers for more information.

Sample collections for flu testing can be arranged by local small labs whereby they deploy a mobile lab technician to a patient's home or other external site if the patient can't visit the hospital. The lab professional confirms a patient's online appointment and follows safety protocols to collect samples from a patient in their home.

HoustonDx uses a third party local lab partner for home sample collections. In situations where a patient may need a COVID-19 or flu testing from their home, hospice, or other long-term living or care facility, our 3rd party partner is used and we can assure a high standard of care and service.

A mobile lab technician will collect your sample based upon the test that you will be receiving at the time. Flu and COVID-19 tests require a nasal swab.

A licensed mobile lab technician travels outside of a clinic or hospital to the patient's location to procure samples. This may be from people who are not able to travel such as nursing homes, rehabilitation centers or hospice. They may even travel to the patient's home. Samples are sent directly to the lab for testing. Results are sent to the patient via a password-protected email.