The present invention generally relates to a molecular test of Influenza A, Influenza B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus A, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus B in order to identify patients with a viral infection. Accordingly methods and compositions are disclosed to determine the presence or absence of a viral pathogen in a sample containing one or more target nucleic acids from the M gene of Influenza A, Influenza B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus A, and/or Respiratory Syncytial Virus B.