Coronavirus Or Flu? Hospital Offers Tests Across East End To Tell

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Is it the coronavirus, or the flu? Stony Brook Southampton Hospital announced recently that it will provide Influenza A, Influenza B and COVID PCR testing at sites across the East End so individuals can tell the difference.

The tests, which will be given by appointment only, are available at Parrish Memorial Hall in Southampton, East Hampton High School, and the Shelter Island Meeting House Lane Medical Practice. A physician’s prescription is needed.

“COVID-19 symptoms are similar to the flu and we are providing influenza testing because it is important to get the correct diagnosis,” said Fredric I. Weinbaum, MD, chief medical officer and chief operating officer of Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Weinbaum urged individuals to wear a mask, maintain social distancing and wash their hands frequently.

"These measures, along with a flu vaccine, can also help prevent spreading the flu virus," he said.

Location Dates/Hours and Testing Details:

COVID-19 PCR, Influenza A and Influenza B testing is offered at Parrish Memorial Hall, located at 240 Meeting House Lane in Southampton, on Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. by appointment with a physician’s prescription.

To schedule same-day influenza testing or flu and COVID testing, call 631-396-6406 or 631-461-6076. Patients will be pre-registered during the call. A prescription from a physician is required for either test and can be faxed to 631-759-4737.

At the time of testing, patients must present a valid ID/license and insurance card. If the tests are to be self-paid, payment is to be made in advance at the time of scheduling and via credit card only. Results of the flu test will be available within 24 hours, except Sundays, and COVID-19 test results are reported with 72 hours and can be accessed via the hospital’s patient portal, a release said.

In addition, the hospital has established a COVID-19 PCR and Influenza A and B testing process at East Hampton High School, located at 2 Long Lane in East Hampton, for residents located in the East Hampton School District. The hospital is also offering COVID-19 PCR swab testing and influenza testing to patients with a prescription from a Meeting House Lane Medical Practice or a local community provider.

Patients can schedule an appointment for Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., by calling 631-668-3705. At the time of testing, patients will be asked to present their valid ID/driver’s license and insurance card. A written prescription will also be requested if the local provider is not in the hospital’s system. If the tests are to be self-paid, payment is due in advance at the time of scheduling and via credit card only. Patients can contact their referring physician for test results; flu results will be available within 24 hours, except Sundays, and COVID-19 results, within 72 hours.

Finally, both COVID PCR swab testing and Influenza A and B testing are also available on Wednesdays at the Shelter Island Meeting House Lane Medical Practice, at 44 South Ferry Road, by appointment and with a prescription from Dr. Joshua Potter. To schedule, please call 631-749-9140, Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the Southampton Patch