Should You Keep Rapid Tests for Spring & Summer 2025?

As the world enters its fifth year of living with COVID-19, many Americans are wondering whether rapid home tests are still necessary—especially as restrictions have eased and immunity levels have risen. However, public health experts maintain that rapid antigen tests remain a critical tool for preventing COVID-19 transmission, particularly during spring and summer travel seasons.

While hospitalizations and fatalities are down from pandemic peaks, SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate, with new variants such as LP.8.1 and JN.1 driving infections in early 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that some U.S. regions still experience intermittent waves, including upticks around holidays and seasonal travel spikes.

Rapid tests remain a vital tool in the medicine cabinet for ongoing infection cycles of COVID-19. Be sure to stay stocked up with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Whether you’re planning a cross-country flight, attending a family wedding, or simply enjoying a summer festival, rapid COVID-19 testing can help you protect your health—and the health of those around you.

What Are Rapid Tests?

Rapid COVID-19 tests, also known as lateral flow antigen tests, detect viral proteins from SARS-CoV-2 using a nasal swab and provide results within 15–20 minutes. These tests are most accurate when used within the first few days of symptoms or shortly after exposure to an infected individual.

At-home tests like the ASSURE-100 Rapid COVID-19 Home Test are FDA-authorized and highly reliable, offering market-leading sensitivity with a non-invasive nasal swab. Developed in Hawaii, ASSURE-100 is designed to provide peace of mind whether you’re at home or on the go.

Why You Still Need Rapid Tests in 2025

1. COVID-19 Hasn’t Disappeared

While the severity of COVID-19 has decreased thanks to vaccinations and natural immunity, the virus still spreads. According to the CDC’s April 2025 update, emergency room visits and test positivity rates remain low nationally, but local surges still occur in some counties and states.

2. Seasonal Surges Are Still a Thing

Despite early beliefs that COVID-19 was a “winter virus,” real-world data has shown that summer and spring surges are common—especially with new variants. Warmer months bring gatherings, travel, and indoor air-conditioned settings, all of which increase risk.

3. International Travel Still Requires Precaution

Many international destinations still recommend or require proof of negative COVID-19 tests before entry, particularly for unvaccinated or high-risk travelers. Having home tests on hand allows you to meet such requirements easily and quickly without needing to visit a clinic.

4. You May Have Symptoms, But Not Know If It’s COVID

With overlapping symptoms between COVID-19, seasonal allergies, flu, and RSV, a rapid test can quickly distinguish between them, allowing you to take the appropriate precautions.

5. Home Tests Help Protect Vulnerable Populations

Even if you’re healthy, you may be visiting elderly family members or immunocompromised friends. Testing before close contact remains a simple act of care that helps reduce transmission risk.

When to Use a Rapid Test in 2025

• Before or after air travel

• If you develop symptoms like a sore throat or fever

• Before attending a crowded indoor event

• After known exposure to someone who tested positive

• Before visiting someone high-risk

Experts recommend keeping at least two rapid test kits per person in your home medicine cabinet. This ensures you’re always prepared when symptoms appear or exposure occurs.

Choosing a Reliable Test Kit

The ASSURE-100 Rapid COVID-19 Home Test continues to be one of the most trusted and highly-sensitive tests on the market. Key benefits include:

• FDA Emergency Use Authorization

• Shallow, non-invasive nasal swab

• Results in >20 minutes

• High sensitivity, even in early infection

• Compact, travel-ready packaging

ASSURE-100 has been widely praised for its ease of use and precision—ideal for families, travelers, and healthcare providers alike.

Conclusion: Keep Testing Part of Your 2025 Health Toolkit

Although the COVID-19 landscape has improved, the virus isn’t gone—and neither is the need for vigilance. Keeping a supply of rapid tests like ASSURE-100 in your medicine cabinet ensures you’re ready to act quickly if symptoms arise or exposure occurs, especially during the busy spring and summer travel months.

By integrating rapid testing into your travel and health routines, you help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community—and ensure that holidays, weddings, and vacations can be enjoyed safely and confidently.

Rapid tests remain a vital tool in the medicine cabinet for ongoing infection cycles of COVID-19. Be sure to stay stocked up with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Keywords: COVID-19, rapid testing, SARS-CoV-2, pandemic, summer travel, spring 2025, ASSURE-100 Rapid COVID-19 Home Test, public health