This is Our Favorite Editor-Tested Rapid, At-Home COVID & Flu Test

The new year has just begun, but flu season is in full swing, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting high levels of influenza activity nationwide. Meanwhile, COVID-19 is also rising, creating a double dose of respiratory illnesses.

With both the flu and COVID-19 sharing symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, it can be tough to figure out what’s causing those sniffles or aches. Knowing if you have the flu, COVID-19, or something else is important—not just for you but for keeping those around you safe.

Proper testing will help you get the right diagnosis and treatment—like antivirals for the flu and isolation or Paxlovid for COVID-19. The CDC points out that early diagnosis can improve your chances, especially with the flu, since antivirals work best if taken within the first 48 hours.

That’s why at-home COVID-19 and flu tests are so handy. Instead of playing the guessing game or waiting for a doctor’s appointment, you can get quick answers from your living room. Home tests are great during times of surging viral activity, as we’re experiencing now, says Inessa Gendina, MD, PhD, Hospital Epidemiologist at Montefiore Einstein in New York, NY. She says it’s important to remember that if you test too early, both at-home and lab tests could be negative. That’s why we like the fact that the iHealth test comes in a pack of four for retesting, if needed, or for use by other family members.

As someone who constantly seeks ways to simplify health care, the iHealth COVID-19, Flu A&B 3-in-1 Antigen Rapid Test has become a critical part of my medicine cabinet. The iHealth 3-in-1 offers a convenient way to check for COVID-19, influenza A, and influenza B in just 15 minutes. The ability to test for all three viruses at once eliminates guesswork, leading to quicker and more informed health decisions.

There are many excellent brands of FDA-approved at-home tests available, and iHealth is one that impressed us. When we tested COVID-19 and flu tests, the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test received high marks for its ease of use, clear instructions, app capabilities, and reliable results. We found the setup intuitive, and it was easy to understand the purpose of each component, even without looking at the instructions. The results were extremely clear and easy to read.

This simplicity makes iHealth tests a great option for everyone—whether you’re medically savvy or not. They are designed to be foolproof, minimizing the risk of user error, which is a common issue with at-home tests, according to Dr. Wilbur Lam, a professor at Emory University. Dr. Lam emphasizes that clear instructions are critical for obtaining accurate results.

If you’re looking for more at-home testing options, we’ve tested several rapid flu and COVID-19 kits to help you find the right one for your needs. These tests offer quick and reliable results, making managing your health from the comfort of your home easier.