A rapid testing mechanism for respiratory viral pathogens includes a filter material positioned to capture exhaled breath particles from a respiratory tract. A portion of the filter material is impregnated with a pathogen binding adsorptive reagent. When the exhaled breath particles pass through the filter material the following occurs: when the binding adsorptive reagent reacts, a positive test for respiratory viral pathogens is indicated by the filter material; and when pathogen binding adsorptive reagent does not react, a negative test for respiratory viral pathogens is indicated by the filter material.