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Test for flu-like symptoms or symptoms similar to COVID-19

When to get tested

If you have flu-like symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, it is recommended that you do a COVID-19 rapid test.

Who can get tested at a local point of service

You can get tested at a local point of service if:

  • you are a healthcare and social services workers;
  • a screening test is required by a healthcare worker before a surgery, a hospitalization or a medical treatment;
  • you have COVID-19 symptoms and you may benefit from a COVID-19 treatment such as PaxlovidTM;
  • you have flu-like symptoms and could benefit from treatment against influenza such as TamifluTM, of which the following are eligible:
    • person aged 75 or over;
    • person who is living under the same roof as someone at risk of complications from influenza or who takes care of them at home;
    • person suffering from a chronic illness or whose condition requires regular medical monitoring (for example: cardiac, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, cancer, immunosuppression, important obesity);
    • pregnant and healthy person who has reached the 2nd or 3rd trimester (13 weeks and over) or who has a chronic illness or condition, regardless of the stage of pregnancy;
    • children aged under 18 years under prolonged treatement with acetylsalicylic acid (which can increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome after the flu);
    • children aged under 2 years.

Book your appointment to get tested

If you are concerned, you can also make an appointment at a local point of service by calling 1-877-644-4545.

Contraindications to getting tested for COVID-19

There are no contraindications. However, some situations require a medical assessment before getting tested:

  • you have a nasal obstruction other than nasal congestion;
  • you are having a nosebleed now;
  • you had a nosebleed in the last week;
  • you have had surgery:
    • oral surgery in the last week;
    • nose surgery in the last month;
  • you are having an episode of wheezing.

Last update: December 13, 2023

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