If you have mild symptoms of RSV, you may not need to be tested. But if your symptoms are moderate or severe, your healthcare professional can give you a test to see if you have an RSV infection.

There are two types of tests for RSV. One is a rapid antigen test, which checks a sample of fluid from the nose. Results from a rapid antigen test can be available within an hour of testing.

The second type of test is a molecular test that checks for genetic material from the RSV virus in a fluid sample. This test can find smaller amounts of the virus than the rapid antigen test. Older adults sometimes have less of the virus in their noses, so your healthcare professional may select the molecular test.

Last updated October 2023