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The days of free at-home COVID-19 tests may be over, but the virus certainly hasn’t gone away. With symptoms that overlap with the flu (like a runny nose, fatigue, and headache — signs to also consider delaying travel) and the latest highly transmissible variant making its rounds, it’s a smart idea to keep some rapid tests on hand and ready to go.
Fortunately, we found a deal on reliable at-home COVID-19 tests for nearly 15% off right now on Amazon. This pack includes five standard nasal swab kits from iHealth, an FDA-authorized over-the-counter brand. And yes, while the virus continues to mutate, all OTC tests still work at tracking positive cases, according to Dr. Sheldon Campbell, a professor of laboratory medicine at Yale School of Medicine.
These four-step tests are easy to perform at home.
First, insert the nasal swab about 3/4 of an inch into one nostril and rotate it in circles to collect a sample, then repeat with the other nostril.
Next, open the liquid solution, pour it into the test’s provided vial and swirl the swab inside the vial 15 times.
After that, place the dropper cap on the vial and squeeze exactly three drops of the liquid onto the rapid test. Wait 15 minutes, then read the result to see if it’s positive or negative. Simple, easy and (mostly) effortless.
We’re not sure how long these COVID-19 tests are on sale, so grab some packs and remember quarantine and seek medical help as needed. If you seek reliable reviews from recent users, check out some of those below.
“I appreciated the free Covid tests the government sometimes made available but always had to look up the “extended” expiration dates of the tests they sent. The tests I just got from Amazon don’t expire until March, 2027. I like to have the tests to be prepared just in case.” — Lois
“Received in the very fast timeframe specified
and that I paid for. Made possible the fastest diagnosis of Covid and got me to urgent care with good info. Thank you.” — Coquito“The test was accurate, I did not have Covid. The test is easy to do, follow the directions. You can do the test in the comfort of your home, it does what it says it does. Excellent
If you don’t have any Covid tests this is easy to read , follow and do.” — Poodle grandma“This has proven to be a highly reliable test kit for at home monitoring of your COVID-19 progression. The end goal is 2 negative test results 24 hours apart.
Would highly recommend securing two packages (minimum) of the test kits. There are 5 tests to a package. A typical bout of COVID-19 runs 7 to 10 days but could take up to 14 days for a negative test to be achieved (depending on when your positive test had been determined).
Follow the directions provided – they are simple, straight forward and easily followed.” — Peter G
Looking for comfort items for when you feel ill? Here’s what former shopping writer Haley Zovickian recommends keeping nearby during cold and flu season.
Amazon
A sleeping mask with 74,000 5-star ratings
A quality eye mask will also serve you well while sick (and beyond) for keeping out light so you can rest and sleep in the daytime. This soft, molded bestseller works “like blackout curtains for your eyes,” reviewers say, and is designed with extra space between the mask and your eyeballs to not add too much pressure.
Promising review: “Both my son and I have used the eye mask. It worked great for him when he had a migraine, and cold-flu season hit and we needed to nap during the day to rest. They are comfortable, and do the job well.” — L.A.
Buffy
A body pillow for wraparound support (25% off)
If you just can’t get comfortable while you’re sick, a body pillow can help provide extra support. I think this Buffy wiggle pillow is a particularly good choice: It’s bendy enough to literally tie into a knot and combines support with floppiness so you can easily move it around.
It comes with a super-soft zippered eucalyptus lyocell cover, which gets softer with each wash, and measures 8 inches by 82 inches. It’s 25% off right now.
Promising reviews: “This pillow is the best. Super soft, but firm enough to provide adequate support. Def my favorite pillow.” — Quincey C.
“This pillow is everything.” — Eliza A.
Amazon
A heated eye massager that never leaves my bedside (up to 32% off)
I rely on my Renpho eye massager HEAVILY for sinus and tension headaches, plus oncoming migraines, which worsen when I’m sick, tired or stressed. They’re also incredible at helping relax my mind and body and put me to sleep. I’m at the point where it’s a full staple in my life, and I will not be without one. It’s also worked wonders for my dry eyes.
The Renpho massagers come in various versions, and I’ve tried a number of them. The updated Renpho Eyeris 1 is probably easiest to use given its included remote, but I’ve ended up preferring the remote-less Renpho Eyeris 2, which recalls my last settings without my having to readjust them every time I turn it on.
Both models offer heat, compressive massage and vibration. You also have the option of music: Renpho’s included classical music, Bluetooth capability so you can stream your own tunes or no music at all, which I prefer.
Promising review: “I didn’t have high expectations but I had a 4 day sinus headache that wouldn’t let up. The very first time I used my eye massager, I actually had some relief. I started using it every night when I went to bed and by the second day of use; I wasn’t hurting anymore. This is now my go to whenever I feel a sinus headache come on or just need to feel ‘calm’ after a stressful day. I would highly recommend and not sure what I would do if this ever breaks down. I’ve recommended it to all of my family and coworkers that they’ve even made a purchase and love theirs too. Don’t miss out! The heat option is phenomenal and the music is soothing.” — Mary
Blackout curtains to encourage rest and healing (15% off)
When you’re sick, feeling absolutely crummy and just want to sleep, blackout curtains may be your dark horse savior.
I recently contracted COVID and fortunately, had recently bought several pairs of Nicetown thermal-insulated blackout drapes to help with reducing ambient light. They help me sleep better in general, but during my bout with COVID, I felt too weak to contend with bright daylight and needed help resting. I thanked my lucky stars I had these already set up. They also helped wonderfully with temperature control.
I decided on these Nicetown ones after a lot of personal research — with over 31,000 5-star ratings but an under-$30 price tag for a set of two, they were by far the most affordable for the quality that I found. Their rod pockets ensured that no light got in, as opposed to options with grommet detailing. Plus, they had such an abundance of colors and sizes that I was able to get just the type I wanted. They’re 15% off right now!
Promising review: “I had no idea these were a thing!!! I wish I knew sooner. Highly recommend them to all. I get questions on them all the time. I can’t stand sun light when gaming to many glares on the screen. These got rid of them why better then my blanket combo. Also I got covid as well and these help out a lot with sleeping during the day!!” — Ben
Amazon
A hypochlorous acid spray to take care of your skin while you get better (29% off)
This Briotech hypochlorous acid spray was previously recommended to HuffPost by a dermatologist as a more affordable swap for the popular Tower 28 SOS spray.
Hypochlorous acid is a soothing, potent antimicrobial that gently calms inflammation on skin while serving as a natural disinfectant.
I find that facial wipes usually break me out, so I rely on hypochlorous acid to quickly cleanse my skin when I’m too sick (or tired) to wash my face.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)