Best At-Home Flu and COVID Test Kits

Cheryl Whitten
Cheryl Whitten
September 10, 2024
8
min read
Technically reviewed by: 
Peter Jakubowicz
Best At-Home Flu and COVID Test Kits
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You have a runny nose, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, and a fever. Is it the common cold? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? COVID-19? Influenza A or B? Symptoms are similar, making it tough to know which one you’ve got [1]. 

On top of that, each of these are contagious viruses and may make some people sicker than others. Vaccinations protect you from severe disease from COVID-19 and influenza A or B, but it’s still essential to test yourself to avoid accidentally infecting someone else [1].  

At-home flu test kits help you detect viruses and rule out the cause from the comfort of your home. However, there are some factors to consider when choosing the best tests: FDA approval, ease of use, cost, speed of results, and convenience. 

In addition, consider whether the tests are designed to detect one virus or multiple and where to buy at-home flu tests. To help you find the best option, we’ve created a list of the new combo kits on the market with FDA approval and included the pros and cons of each. 

Top At-Home Flu Tests: Diagnox Recommendations

With all the options available, is there an over-the-counter flu test with multitargets that produces rapid, accurate results? These three selections are the top choices for many reasons, including how quickly they work and how easy they are to purchase. 

WELLlife

The WELLlife COVID-19/Influenza A & B Home Test Kit is an FDA-approved, 3-in-1 test providing results in 10 minutes with all necessary materials included.

About the Product

The WELLlife COVID-19/Influenza A& B Home Test Kit is a 3-in-1 test kit for COVID-19 and influenza A and B. It’s FDA-approved for emergency non-prescription use, meeting regulatory standards for simple at-home testing. It’s easy to use and complete, with results ready in 10 minutes. 

The product has two individually packaged tests, available for only $26.99, and features an extended detection window for results in the early days of symptom onset. It comes with a nasal swab, test tube, test cassette, a tube holder, and instructions.

Worth Noting

The WELLlife influenza rapid test kit insert has detailed instructions, including pictures and graphics for easy reading. The product box includes a convenient tube holder to avoid spills, and results are ready on the test cassette without needing an app. WELLlife is a trusted brand recommended by Diagnox, reflecting its reliability and commitment to quality at-home testing.

Where Can I Buy the Test? 

WELLlife kits are available for purchase online and at select retailers. You can purchase multiple boxes at once for quick delivery directly to your door, ensuring you always have the flu and COVID-19 combo test when you need it.

iHealth

The iHealth COVID-19/Flu A & B 3-in-1 kit is an FDA-approved, easy-to-use home test with results in 15 minutes, available in various pack sizes and sold online or in some pharmacies.

About the Product

The iHealth COVID-19/Flu A & B 3-in-1 kit is FDA-approved for emergency use and home self-testing of three common viruses. It’s a compact kit, with a nasal swab, a unique test tube, a test card, and instructions [2]. 

The flu test is easy to complete at home in four simple steps and comes in packs of two or four. The four-pack is slightly cheaper than the two-pack, but both are comparable in price to other tests. iHealth Labs also includes a bulk-size option with a carton of 90 packs with two per pack in case you need rapid tests for a large crowd or event [2]. 

Worth Noting

The test tube in the iHealth kit comes with a foil seal and a cap attached to the side. You don’t need to remove the cap and risk contaminating the test; it's conveniently attached for easy retrieval and closure.

The iHealth test does take longer to process than others, with results ready in 15 minutes compared with 10. The package insert has a convenient QR code linked to an instruction video for additional help. However, the rest of the insert has a lot of information and tiny print, making it difficult to read. 

Where Can I Buy a Flu Test?

You can buy the iHealth test online through the company website or on Amazon for quick home delivery. It may also be available in person at some CVS pharmacies. 

CorDx

The CorDx TyFast Flu A/B & COVID-19 test kit is a 3-in-1, FDA-approved test that offers fast results in 10 minutes, featuring a cap attached to the test tube for convenience.

About the Product

The CorDx TyFast Flu A/B & COVID-19 At-home kit is a 3-in-1 test approved by the FDA for emergency nonprescription use. Like other tests, it’s easy to use and understand and produces quick results in 10 minutes. It includes a nasal swab, test tube, tube holder box, test cassette, and instructions [3].

Worth Noting

Like the iHealth test, the CorDx TyFast test also features a test tube with an attached cap and a foil seal. These caps are handy for testing on the go and make it easy to seal the tube without losing the lid. 

Despite its features, one of the most significant drawbacks to this flu/COVID combo test is its price. A pack of two tests will set you back $60.99, making it one of the more expensive options. The company does appear to offer sales, but shipping takes a long time, anywhere from two to three weeks to reach your door. 

Where Can I Buy the Test?

The CorDx tests are available online through the company website and select online retailers like Amazon.  

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FAQs About At-Home Flu Tests

Can You Test for the Flu at Home?

Yes. At-home flu/COVID combo test kids are a revolutionary step in home health care. These rapid test kits produce accurate results in minutes, making insight and peace of mind possible from the comfort of your home.

What To Consider When Purchasing?

There are a few factors to consider when selecting an at-home flu test kit. Look for combo kits with FDA approval that are easy to use and convenient to purchase. Tests should have labels with stating “influenza test kit” or COVID/flu rapid test.”

Where Can I Buy an At-Home Flu Test?

You can often find COVID and flu tests at Walgreens, CVS, or other pharmacies. You can also order tests online for direct delivery to your home. 

Are Results Accurate, and Can I Trust Them?

Rapid COVID and flu tests meet high home-test standards and are designed for accuracy. However, it’s essential to follow the directions closely for best results. To confirm your results, consider visiting a healthcare provider. 

Which Brand Is Best for My At-Home Flu Testing Needs?

Best for Comprehensive At-Home Testing

The WELLlife kit offers broad viral detection for COVID-19 and two common types of influenza. It’s FDA-approved, easy to use, and has an extended detection window within early days of symptom onset. It’s also the most affordable of the options, with the best value per dollar.

Most Convenient To Purchase

WELLlife and iHealth are the most convenient to purchase and are available online through select large retailers like Amazon. Order your tests and have them delivered directly to your door.

In-Person Pharmacy Accessibility

Whether you’re caught without tests at home or need a flu test kit immediately, iHealth is your best in-person option. You can find iHealth kits at a local CVS pharmacy. 

Peace of Mind With At-Home 3-in-1 COVID Flu Test Combo

At-home flu tests have changed the way you manage your health. Now, with revolutionary antigen tests, you can self-test in the privacy of your home and quickly identify or rule out common viruses. 

For best results, be sure to use tests approved by the FDA for emergency self- or home-testing and nonprescription use. If you have a positive test, consider following up with a healthcare provider to confirm your results, get treatment, and monitor your health. 

References

[1] CDC Staff, “Similarities and Differences Between Flu and COVID-19,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Accessed September 6, 2024].

[2] iHealth Labs Staff, “iHealth COVID-19/Flu A&B Rapid Test,” iHealth Labs. [Accessed September 6, 2024].

[3] CorDx Staff, “CorDx TyFast Flu A/B & COVID-19 At Home Rapid Multiplex Test,” CorDx. [Accessed September 6, 2024].

About the Author
Cheryl Whitten

Cheryl Whitten is a health writer with a background in allied health care as an herbalist and clinical aromatherapist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Athabasca University and certificates from the University of Maryland and Wild Rose College. She writes for leading health and lifestyle websites with a focus on health, wellness, and consumer products.

About the Reviewer
This blog was
Technically reviewed by: 
Peter Jakubowicz
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