Tis the Season for Respiratory Viruses
As we dive into winter, respiratory viruses are making their rounds. Stay informed to keep the holidays joyful AND healthy!
The national burden of acute respiratory illnesses is currently rated as Moderate, as measured by emergency department visits. This includes all the main characters – cold, flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
More specifically, winter ushers in the triple threat:
COVID-19 - activity just started its winter uptick, as some areas of the country are seeing an increase from low levels.
Seasonal flu - activity continues to increase across the country.
RSV - activity is moderate (especially in young children) and continues to increase in most areas of the country.
COVID-19
COVID-19 activity, including wastewater levels, emergency department visits, and test positivity, has begun its winter surge. The forecasted epidemic trend is growing (99.75%) with an estimated Rt of 1.10 (1.03.1-17). Current test positivity is 5.4%, up 0.9% from last week. For context, the highest percentage seen this past summer surge (because COVID-19 has bimodal seasonality) was 17.8% in August.
The 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines are a good match for the circulating Omicron variants.
Seasonal influenza
Flu activity continues to increase in the US, including test positivity, emergency department visits, outpatient visits, and hospitalizations. The forecasted epidemic trend is growing (100%) with an estimated Rt of 1.27 (1.18 - 1.45).
Influenza A virus infections have been due to A(H3N2) and (H1N1)pdm09 (53.8% and 44.3%, respectively, since Sept 29, 2024). The 2024-25 seasonal flu vaccines are a modest match for the circulating strains, based on evidence from the Southern Hemisphere. In addition to getting more people vaccinated to promote herd immunity, be prepared to seek out antiviral treatment early if you do become ill.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV activity is moderate throughout the country, and it’s still rising, particularly in young children – evidenced by emergency department visits and hospitalization. Some areas are also seeing an uptick of hospitalizations in older adults.
Seasonal Outlook
This winter season should see similar, or even lower, numbers of hospitalizations from COVID-19, seasonal flu, and RSV compared to last year. The caveat here is that we are still seeing numbers much higher than where we were pre-COVID.
There's still time to vaccinate
Vaccination coverage for COVID-19, seasonal flu, and RSV among adults remains low. Not yet up to date with your vaccines? There’s still time. You can still benefit from getting the recommended vaccines to reduce both your risk of serious illness and your chance of spreading infections to your loved ones this winter season.