The combination of COVID-19 and the flu has created a perfect storm, with Australians warned that they are preparing for a winter of rising infections and other flu-like conditions.
If you are worried about these tickles in the back of your throat, how can you tell if you have COVID-19 or flu?
Multivirus testing (or multiplex testing) is one thing. This is a combined test to detect influenza and COVID-19 from a sample.
So how and where can you get tested for both COVID-19 and the flu? This is what we know.
South Australia offers joint testing of COVID-19 and influenza for high-risk individuals
South Australians can go to any of the SA pathology testing sites with a GP referral and be tested for 12 different viruses, including influenza, RSV and COVID-19.
The 12 viruses tested by the multivirus test (multiplex) are:
- Adenovirus
- Bordetella pertussis
- influenza A; The flu B
- Human metapneumovirus
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Parainfluenza 1; Parainfluenza 2; Parainfluenza 3
- Rhinovirus
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
SA Hello
However, South Australia’s latest official health council advises that only people in high-risk groups should have a combined COVID-19 and flu test.
High-risk groups include:
- children from 5 years
- people 65 years or older
- a resident of a senior or long-term residential care center
- Aboriginal and island people of the Torres Strait
- pregnant woman
- people with long-term medical conditions
- people with disabilities with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities
- obese people (BMI 30 or more)
- people who sleep poorly.
When it comes to state-dominant variants, the latest genome tests from June 1 to 21 found that 74.6 percent of the samples taken were BA.2.
Free trials for COVID-19 only, without a referral from the GP, will continue to be available at SA Pathology sites across the state.
For more local information on PCR and influenza testing, visit South Australia Health.
Queensland residents can access a single test
When necessary, GPs and physicians will refer Queensland residents for combined testing.
This means you only need to take a test, Queensland Health confirmed, although it is preferable for vulnerable groups to be the first priority to access.
When it comes to COVID-19 testing, Queensland Health advises looking for a private pathology to get a PCR test for COVID-19, such as:
- 4 Pathology of the appointment
- Maternal Pathology
- MedLab
- Queensland Medical Laboratories (QML)
- Sullivan and Nicolaides (SNP).
For anyone still in doubt, Queensland Health also offers a map to locate the nearest COVID-19 test sites.
ACT people need a referral for a single test
“If a person has a valid pathology reference form from a healthcare professional for COVID-19 and influenza or any other respiratory virus, this can be done at an ACT COVID-19 testing center said an ACT health spokesman.
However, they noted, “ACT-funded COVID-19 testing clinics are primarily for COVID-19 only.”
As for COVID-19 PCR testing centers without prior appointment, you can access these sites.
Multivirus testing is available in NSW
“People with COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms are encouraged to seek a PCR test, which can detect both COVID-19 and the flu,” an NSW Health spokesman said.
NSW Health Pathology sites use Respiratory Triplex PCR tests, which can simultaneously test for COVID-19, the flu and, in some cases, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the spokesman added.
Some private labs also do COVID-19, influenza and RSV tests with a single test.
Here is the full list of COVID-19 test centers in NSW.
There is no single test at Victoria State Centers
Victoria Health said it does not offer combined testing for COVID-19 and influenza at state testing centers.
ABC has not been able to confirm whether the single test is available through state private providers.
To find your nearest COVID-19 test site and waiting times, you can access this site. You can enter your zip code or neighborhood or search by site type.
- Many state testing sites in Victoria offer PCR testing and RAT kits
- You can pick up free antigen rapid test kits on behalf of those listed on your Medicare card.
On Wednesday, the Victorian government said it expected BA.4 / BA.5 to surpass the BA.2 strain in the coming weeks to become the dominant strain in the state.
Tasmanians urged to discuss trial options with the GP
Tasmanians who want to get tested for various respiratory viruses can do so through their GP.
It depends largely on the practice of each GP in terms of whether you are being tested there or referred to a private pathology provider.
“People whose age and / or medical conditions put them at increased risk for respiratory infections should discuss the best approach for testing and treatment with their GP,” a spokesman for the Department of Health.
COVID-19 test sites include:
- free COVID-19 testing clinics in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie
- free GP-led breathing clinics in Hobart, Launceston and St Helens
- free mobile trial clinics
- Your local GP may offer COVID-19 tests and GPs may charge a consultation fee.
Online, there is a complete list of COVID-19 testing clinics in Tasmania.
Individual tests are available in Western Australia
COVID-19 and flu tests are available at private pathology clinics with referral from a doctor, a WA Health spokesman said.
As in most states and territories, your GP is the first stop for respiratory illnesses, including the flu.
COVID-19 testing is available at COVID clinics, regional public hospitals and health services, remote health clinics, and private pathology providers.
PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA is the state-approved pathology provider in all public clinics.
- Testing is free at COVID-19’s public and private testing facilities in both metropolitan and regional areas.
And to find a COVID-19 testing clinic in the metropolitan and regional areas of Western Australia, check it out here.
The availability of unique evidence is unclear in the Northern Territory
We are still waiting to see if the single test is an option in the Northern Territory.
What we do know is that you only need to have a PCR test for COVID-19 if clinically required or requested by an authorized officer.
Check out the Northern Territory test site list here.
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