COVID & Flu Swab Testing in Plano, TX — Fast, Accurate Results
Sneezing, fever, body aches — is it COVID, the flu, or something else? Dr. Sophia Rahman offers rapid in-office swab testing in Plano so you know exactly what you're dealing with and how to treat it.
When you’re running a fever, your throat is on fire, and every muscle aches, the last thing you want is uncertainty. COVID-19 and influenza share enough symptoms that it’s genuinely difficult — even for physicians — to tell them apart without a test. And the distinction matters, because the treatments are different.
At Sophia Rahman MD in Plano, TX, we offer accurate, rapid swab testing for upper respiratory infections right here in the office. You don’t need to go to an urgent care chain or wait at a drive-through testing site. We test, interpret, and act — all in one visit.
COVID vs. Flu: Why the Test Matters
Both COVID-19 and influenza cause fever, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, and respiratory symptoms. But the clinical differences are meaningful:
- COVID-19 can cause loss of smell or taste, tends to linger longer, and carries higher risk for certain complications including clotting disorders and long COVID
- Influenza typically has a more abrupt onset, severe muscle aches, and responds to antivirals like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) if caught early — usually within 48 hours of symptom onset
- Other upper respiratory infections (RSV, rhinovirus, bacterial sinusitis) won’t respond to antivirals at all and may need a different treatment approach
Testing helps us get you the right treatment faster, rather than guessing.
What the Testing Process Looks Like
Schedule Your Appointment
Call us or book online through Setmore. We’ll triage your symptoms and get you in quickly — we understand you’re not feeling well.
Swab Collection
A healthcare professional will collect a sample from your upper respiratory tract (nasal or nasopharyngeal swab). The process takes about 30 seconds and is mildly uncomfortable, not painful.
Laboratory Analysis
Your sample is analyzed with validated, accurate testing. We use reputable laboratory partners to ensure results you can trust.
Results and Next Steps
We review results with you directly — not through a portal days later. If you test positive for COVID or flu, we discuss your options immediately: antivirals, symptom management, isolation guidance, and when to return if things worsen.
Who Should Get Tested?
- Anyone with fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue during respiratory illness season
- Patients who are immunocompromised, elderly, or have chronic conditions — where catching the right diagnosis early is especially important
- Anyone who has been exposed to a confirmed COVID or flu case
- Patients who need documentation for work or school
Protecting the People Around You
One of the most important reasons to test is to protect others. Knowing whether you have COVID, flu, or something else helps you make informed decisions about isolation, masking, and when it’s safe to return to work, school, or family gatherings.
As I tell my patients: knowing your health status is one of the most responsible things you can do — for yourself and for the people around you.
Not sure if it’s COVID or flu? Don’t guess. Book an appointment and we’ll get you an answer today.
Sophia Rahman MD is located at 1212 Coit Rd, Suite 105, Plano, TX 75075. Accepting new patients in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Murphy, and the surrounding Collin County area.