- New CDC report reveals that flu season is far from over.
- While flu A cases are dwindling, flu B and COVID-19 cases are on the rise nationwide.
- Here’s where to find the best home tests for early detection.
The U.S. 2025-2026 flu season has been intense. Since October, there have been an estimated 22 million cases, 280,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 flu-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Though cases seem to be down compared to late last year, officials warn that both COVID-19 and flu are still circulating.
In fact, a recent CDC report shows an overall trend of elevated flu activity nationally, even this late in the season. Specifically, flu B is on the rise nationwide. Flu A and flu B are the two most common types of the influenza virus during flu season. Fever, sore throat, fatigue, and body aches are symptoms of both strains.
If you think you may have COVID or the flu, there are plenty of at-home health tests to help you detect the illness early enough to limit the spread to others, and get antivirals if you qualify. While it’s important to contact your doctor for tailored treatment and testing, we’ve corralled home respiratory tests that you can order without leaving your bed.
Where to get at-home tests
Usually, the flu is contagious for five to seven days after symptoms start, but you can infect others up to a day before symptoms start, per the CDC. That means, in addition to getting your flu vaccine at the best time, early detection is key to stopping the spread.
Many of the tests included in our roundup of best at-home COVID tests, including options from BinaxNOW, FlowFlex, and more, are available in a single kit that tests for both COVID and flu. Since the two have similar symptoms, it may be difficult to figure out whether you have COVID vs. the flu, so testing for both at once may help you get a diagnosis more quickly. If you are worried about the price, BinaxNOW offers a coupon that gets you $5 off a home testing kit.
The kits are available at pharmacies (like CVS), and we’ve corralled some that our editors have tried and think are worth stocking up on:
Combination COVID and flu tests
BinaxNOW COVID-19/Flu A&B Combo Test
FlowFlex Plus COVID-19 and Flu A and B Home Test
iHealth COVID-19/Flu A&B Home Rapid Test
FlowFlex Plus 4 in 1 RSV + Flu A/B + Covid Test
COVID-19 cases are also circulating, and if you’d prefer to test for just one respiratory virus, you have options:
COVID tests
While no test is 100% accurate, home tests are generally quick and painless. Though, false readings may happen, especially if the sample is lackluster. If you’re experiencing flu or COVID symptoms and your test appears negative, calling a doctor is still your best bet.
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