What to Know About the 2025–2026 Respiratory Virus Season in the U.S.

Key takeaway: COVID-19, influenza (flu), and RSV are continuing to circulate across the United States this respiratory virus season. Most people will recover at home, but older adults, infants, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions remain at higher risk for complications. Vaccination, early testing when appropriate, and staying home when sick remain central public health recommendations.

Each fall and winter, respiratory viruses increase in the U.S. That pattern has continued into the 2025–2026 season, according to ongoing surveillance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While severe illness is less common than earlier in the pandemic, respiratory viruses still lead to hospitalizations and deaths each year—especially among vulnerable groups.

Which viruses are circulating?

The three main respiratory threats this season are:

Influenza (flu)
COVID-19
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

All three spread mainly through respiratory droplets and close contact. Symptoms often overlap, which means testing may be needed to confirm the cause—especially for people at higher risk who could benefit from treatment.

Symptoms to watch for

Many symptoms are similar across these infections:

Fever or chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Fatigue
Body aches
Headache

COVID-19 may also cause loss of taste or smell in some people, though this has become less common. RSV in infants may present with wheezing, fast breathing, or feeding difficulty.

Seek urgent medical care for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips or face, signs of dehydration in children, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening.

Who is at higher risk?

According to the CDC, higher-risk groups include:

Adults 65 and older
Infants, especially under 6 months
Pregnant people
People with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or weakened immune systems
Residents of long-term care facilities

For these groups, early testing and treatment can make a meaningful difference.

Vaccines: What public health guidance says

The CDC continues to recommend seasonal flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting currently circulating variants are recommended for eligible age groups to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

For RSV, new preventive options have expanded protection in recent seasons. These include:

An RSV vaccine for certain older adults
Maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy to protect infants
Long-acting monoclonal antibody protection for eligible infants

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized these RSV prevention tools in recent years, and CDC provides updated eligibility guidance each season.

Vaccines do not eliminate all infections, but evidence consistently shows they reduce the risk of severe outcomes. Protection may wane over time, which is why updated seasonal doses are recommended.

Treatment options: Timing matters

Antiviral medications are available for both flu and COVID-19. These treatments work best when started early—generally within the first few days of symptoms.

Flu antivirals (such as oseltamivir) can reduce complications when given promptly.
COVID-19 antivirals may lower the risk of hospitalization in higher-risk patients.

RSV treatment is mostly supportive for healthy adults and older children, but infants and high-risk adults may require medical monitoring.

If you are older, immunocompromised, pregnant, or have chronic medical conditions, contact a healthcare professional early if you develop symptoms.

Prevention still matters in everyday life

Public health guidance continues to emphasize layered prevention:

Stay home when sick.
Wash hands frequently.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Improve indoor ventilation when possible.
Consider masking in crowded indoor settings if you are high risk or during local surges.

For families, this can mean keeping children home from school when febrile, protecting newborns from sick visitors, and having a plan in place for rapid testing if symptoms begin.

What about long-term effects?

Most people recover fully. However, COVID-19 can sometimes lead to longer-lasting symptoms (often called Long COVID), and severe flu or RSV infections can worsen chronic heart or lung conditions. This is one reason prevention and early care remain important even as overall population immunity has increased.

Access, cost, and insurance considerations

Most private insurance plans and public programs cover recommended vaccines without cost-sharing when given by in-network providers. Coverage details can vary, particularly for adults under certain plans, so checking with your insurer or local pharmacy is wise.

Community health centers and local health departments may offer low-cost or no-cost vaccination options for uninsured individuals.

What this means for readers

Respiratory virus season is now a predictable part of public health in the United States. For most healthy people, illness will be mild. But for higher-risk individuals—and for families caring for infants or older relatives—prevention, early testing, and timely treatment can reduce complications.

Staying up to date on vaccines, recognizing symptoms early, and knowing when to seek care are practical steps that protect not just individuals, but workplaces, schools, and communities.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research findings can be early, limited, or subject to change as new evidence emerges. For personal guidance, diagnosis, or treatment, consult a licensed clinician. For current outbreak or public health guidance, follow your local health department, the CDC, or another relevant public health authority.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Seasonal Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV Guidance
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Vaccine and Antiviral Authorizations