US flu cases are peaking for a second time this season. Now you can test for the virus at home

The United States is seeing a second peak in flu cases this season. 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 United States is seeing a second peak in flu cases this season. 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 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there have been at least 20 million cases and 11,000 deaths from flu so far this season. Hospitalizations are rising too, with an estimated 38,255 hospitalizations from flu last week alone. It’s not the only illness spreading, either: Wastewater testing also shows high levels of the virus that causes Covid-19 across the country — well above levels seen at the start of winter. But there are some new tools to help this respiratory virus season: over-the-counter tests that can identify whether an illness is Covid-19 or influenza. The tests are available for purchase at most pharmacies or online and allow patients to learn what may be making them sick without needing to make an appointment at a clinic or wait in line. 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 minutes, depending on the type of test. Several companies have received emergency use authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration and brought combination tests to market. One test, Healgen, has received authorization for marketing outside of emergency use.