Is there a test that can detect both flu and COVID-19?

Yes. CDC has developed a test that will check for A and B type seasonal flu viruses and SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This test will be used by U.S. public health laboratories. Testing for these viruses at the same time will give public health officials important information about how flu and COVID-19 are spreading and what prevention steps should be taken. The test will also help public health laboratories save time and testing materials, and to possibly return test results faster.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given CDC an Emergency Use Authorizationexternal icon for this new test. Initial test kits were sent to public health laboratories in early August 2020. CDC will continue to manufacture and distribute these kits.

More information for laboratories is available.

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1. How do I know if I have flu?
2. What kinds of flu test are there?
3. How well can rapid test detect flu?
4. Will my health care provider test me for flu if I have flu-like symptoms?
5. Can I have flu and COVID-19 at the same time?
6. Is there a test that can detect both flu and COVID-19?
7. Will the new test that detects both flu and COVID-19 replace other tests?