Respiratory Virus Activity Increases Across the U.S. with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Surging

Health officials report rising cases of respiratory illnesses as vaccination rates remain low and new COVID-19 variant spreads.

COVID-19 levels are surging after an unusually low start to the season, with the new XEC variant now dominant in the U.S.
Flu and RSV activity is climbing nationwide, with high hospitalization rates and severe cases reported among children and older adults.
The CDC estimates over 1,500 flu deaths and 37,000 hospitalizations so far this season, with RSV continuing to be a leading cause of hospitalization in infants.
Vaccination rates for COVID-19, flu, and RSV remain low, leaving many vulnerable to severe illness despite vaccine availability.
Experts predict respiratory virus activity to peak later this season, with combined hospitalizations expected to match or exceed last year’s levels.