Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel

This site is updated on Fridays.

For Everyone

Oct. 9, 2026

COVID-19, flu, and [[tooltip:RSV|A common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.]] are key indicators of overall [[tooltip:respiratory illness activity|Respiratory illness activity shows how much illness is spreading in an area based on recent data. Higher levels mean more illness is being reported.]]
The amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek health care is very low.
RSV activity is very low in most areas of the country.
COVID-19 activity remains elevated in some regions but is declining nationally.
Seasonal flu activity is increasing in many parts of the country but remains low.
Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (RV/EV) is increasing nationally.

A speedometer-like image with the needle pointing at a pale blue level that reads very low.

Your community snapshot

Protect yourself and others

Illustration of hand sanitizer, gloves, and a tissue box with a heart, surrounded by virus icons, representing germ prevention and hygiene.

Explore guidance on risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

Weekly national summary

COVID-19

COVID-19 activity remains elevated in some regions but is declining nationally. COVID-19 hospitalizations remain low. Hospitalization rates are highest among adults 65 and older. While COVID-19 wastewater activity is very low nationally, some states are at moderate to very high levels.

Flu

Seasonal flu activity is increasing in many parts of the country but remains low. Additional information about current flu activity can be found at: Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report (CDC)

RSV

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious for infants, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions.

RSV is very low in most areas of the country.

Vaccination

Annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available. Recommendations for both remain as described in the July 2025 immunization schedule. See the latest vaccine information for COVID-19. Talk to your healthcare professional about which vaccines are recommended for you.

Other respiratory illnesses

Different respiratory illnesses spread at different rates throughout the year. CDC provides information about other respiratory illnesses that are making people sick more often than others. The illnesses going around now include:

Group A strep
Rhinovirus/Enterovirus
Walking pneumonia (Mycoplasma pneumoniae)
Whooping cough (pertussis)

Keep Reading Other Respiratory Illnesses Going Around

Season outlook

CDC expects the 2026-2027 respiratory illness season to be much like last season. COVID-19, flu, and RSV are projected to cause about the same number of peak hospitalizations this fall and winter. CDC will update this outlook if there are changes.

Care and prevention

Respiratory illness can affect anyone, but young children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems face the highest risk. If you have symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, rest, stay hydrated and seek medical care for severe symptoms like difficulty breathing.