Influenza and RSV FAQ

Influenza is a viral infection more commonly known as the Flu that attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. Type A and B are the most common strains that cause seasonal epidemics of disease (known as flu season). RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and is particularly common in children under 2 years of age.

For more information on incubation and infection windows, transmission, symptoms, etc visit the influenza fact sheet, or read more about RSV.

There is no charge for Influenza and RSV tests, Histopath is absorbing the costs. Covid-19 testing remains free also.

No referrals are required for Influenza, RSV or Covid-19 tests at Histopath clinics. If you have a referralfrom your Dr, please bring it along and we will ensure they also receive your results. Histopath clinics accept referrals from all pathology providers.

No. Histopath welcome all age groups in all of our clinics for Covid-19, Influenza and RSV testing.

No. The process of registration and sample collection in our clinics remains exactly the same.

We test for the additional viruses in our laboratory using your Covid-19 sample, no additional samples need to be collected.

No. All samples collected in Histopath testing sites will be tested automatically for Covid-19, Influenza, and RSV.

No. Histopath’s Clinics in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane International Airportstest for Covid-19 only.

You will receive your results the same day as your sample is taken.

You will receive your results via a single SMS, with positive/negative results listed for each virus.

Influenza and RSV are reportable diseases, just like Covid-19.

If you return a positive result, this will be reported to NSW Health for epidemiological purposes.

You may be eligible for antiviral treatment. For more information, visit www.health.gov.au or consult your medical practitioner. Our staff will also send you a link to a fact sheet when we advise you of a positive result.

If you return a negative result, seek medical assistance if your symptoms worsen.

No, the lab is unable to determine which strain of Influenza you have if you return a positive result.

Type A Influenza is usually the more common form of the virus and tends to circulate early in the flu season.

Type B  Influenza is less common, with symptoms that are less severe.

For more information, visit NSW Health or consult your medical practitioner.

There are no mandates requiring isolation in the event of a positive Influenza or RSV result, however it is recommended to reduce contact with people until symptoms subside to prevent further spread of the virus.

For more information, visit NSW Health.

No. Influenza and RSV will only be tested on samples collected in our clinics from May 28^th 2022.