COVID-19 Activity Is Increasing: Why Testing Still Matters in 2026

September 8, 2026 | Kay Scientific

COVID-19 may no longer dominate everyday headlines the way it once did, but the virus continues to circulate—and recent data show activity is beginning to increase again across the United States.

As of September 4, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that national and regional COVID-19 activity is increasing. At the same time, seasonal influenza activity remains low and RSV activity is very low in most areas of the country.

For healthcare facilities, employers, treatment centers, schools, and individuals, this is an important reminder that respiratory testing continues to have a practical role in identifying illness and helping determine what steps to take next.

Why Are COVID-19 Tests Still Important?

COVID-19 symptoms can overlap considerably with other respiratory illnesses. Cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue, headache, and congestion can occur with COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory infections.

Symptoms alone may therefore make it difficult to determine which illness is responsible.

The CDC states that respiratory-virus testing can provide useful information for making decisions about treatment and reducing the likelihood of spreading illness to others. This can be particularly important for people who have a greater risk of developing severe disease.

Testing can also be useful for organizations that want a more informed approach when employees, patients, or residents develop respiratory symptoms.

COVID-19 and Flu Can Look Similar

As we move toward the fall and winter respiratory season, distinguishing COVID-19 from influenza can become increasingly important.

Both illnesses can cause similar symptoms, and the viruses can circulate at the same time. CDC clinical guidance specifically recognizes this overlap when healthcare providers evaluate patients with acute respiratory illness.

This is one reason combination COVID-19 and Flu A/B tests can be useful. Rather than testing for only one respiratory virus, combination tests can help differentiate between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A or B using a single testing workflow.

The CDC notes that multiplex tests can detect multiple respiratory viruses from a single test.

Rapid Testing Can Help Support Faster Decisions

One of the primary advantages of rapid antigen testing is speed.

According to the CDC, antigen tests for COVID-19 and influenza typically provide results in approximately **10–15 minutes. **Shop COVID Now

Rapid results can be particularly useful in environments where timely information matters, including:

• Healthcare and clinical settings
• Workplace and employee-health programs
• Treatment and recovery facilities
• Long-term care environments
• Community organizations
• At-home testing, when the specific test is authorized for OTC use

The appropriate test depends on the setting, intended use, regulatory status, and the population being tested.

Early Identification Can Be Especially Important for Higher-Risk Patients

Testing isn't only about knowing whether someone has COVID-19.

For people at higher risk of severe illness, identifying a respiratory infection quickly may help support timely conversations with a healthcare provider about treatment.

Current CDC guidance states that COVID-19 treatment for eligible higher-risk patients needs to begin within 5–7 days of symptom onset, depending on the treatment.

That makes having an established plan for testing and seeking medical care particularly important for higher-risk individuals.

Preparing for the Respiratory Season

COVID-19 patterns continue to change, and influenza and RSV activity can also shift as the respiratory season progresses.

Healthcare providers and organizations may want to review their testing supplies before demand increases rather than waiting until respiratory illness is already widespread.

That can include reviewing:

Inventory levels: Are enough tests available if testing volume increases?

Expiration dates: Are current testing supplies still within their labeled expiration period?

Testing options: Does the organization need COVID-19-only testing, influenza testing, or a combination COVID-19/Flu A&B test?

Intended use: Is the product appropriate for professional point-of-care use, OTC use, or another specific testing environment?

Instructions for use: Staff and users should always follow the manufacturer's current instructions, storage requirements, result-interpretation guidance, and intended-use limitations.

Choosing the Right Respiratory Test

Kay Scientific provides rapid diagnostic testing options for healthcare facilities, organizations, and individual testing needs, including COVID-19, Flu A&B, COVID-19/Flu A&B combination, RSV, Strep A, and other rapid diagnostic tests.

Not every test is appropriate for every setting. Regulatory status, intended use, specimen type, testing environment, and purchasing requirements can differ between products.

Our team can help customers compare available testing options and determine which products best fit their program or facility.

Need Help Preparing Your Testing Inventory?

Whether you're restocking COVID-19 tests, preparing for flu season, or looking for a combination respiratory testing option, Kay Scientific can help you compare products and purchasing options.

Shop Rapid Tests | Request Pricing | Contact Kay Scientific

This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not medical advice. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and applicable clinical and regulatory guidance. Individuals with symptoms or questions regarding diagnosis or treatment should consult an appropriate healthcare professional.