After doctor’s office visits for flu dipped early this year, they jumped past the previous season peak at the end of last month, with a 30% test positivity rate — and there are still months to go.

After doctor’s office visits for flu dipped early this year, they jumped past the previous season peak at the end of last month, with a 30% test positivity rate — and there are still months to go.

After doctor’s office visits for flu dipped early this year, they jumped past the previous season peak at the end of last month, with a 30% test positivity rate — and there are still months to go.

The tests won’t check for every respiratory virus, but they mark the first time the public can test for flu at home. The tests use self-collected nasal swabs, with results ready within 15 to 30 ...

The tests won’t check for every respiratory virus, but they mark the first time the public can test for flu at home. The tests use self-collected nasal swabs, with results ready within 15 to 30 ...

The tests won’t check for every respiratory virus, but they mark the first time the public can test for flu at home. The tests use self-collected nasal swabs, with results ready within 15 to 30 ...

Health-care workers treating patients hospitalized with the flu are being urged to perform an additional test for bird flu within 24 hours of admission. (Mike Zacchino/Pool/AP) ...

New combo tests let you check for COVID and flu at home. How well do they work? By Izzy Bryars Globe Correspondent,Updated December 26, 2024, 5:11 p.m.

Why now? This year testing got easier. For the first time, new home tests — available at pharmacies without a prescription — can test for both the flu and COVID simultaneously.

If your first test is negative, but your symptoms worsen within 48 hours, there’s an increased chance that you’re sick with Covid or the flu, Dr. Smith said.

While no test is perfect, to now be able to test for certain viruses at home when symptoms begin can help patients and their doctors come up with appropriate care plans sooner.

Based on an FDA analysis, the test correctly identified 99% of negative and 92% of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples; 99.9% of negative Flu A and B samples; and 92.5% and 90.5% of positive Flu A and Flu ...