Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Cases Surge Across U.S. This Winter

The annual winter respiratory virus season is in full swing across the United States, with flu cases skyrocketing and COVID-19 and RSV infections also on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is currently at high levels, with 40 states reporting significant illness activity as of early January 2025.

“Respiratory season is here,” says Dr. Carrie Reed, an epidemiologist at the CDC. “It is getting to be in full swing now with a lot of people getting sick, a lot of people missing work, missing school, just feeling lousy in general.” The flu, in particular, is causing widespread strain on hospitals, with emergency rooms filled with patients experiencing severe symptoms.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is also spreading at high levels, particularly affecting infants and the elderly. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases are rising again, adding to the burden on healthcare systems. “Before we had two major viruses causing a lot of hospitalizations and deaths with RSV and flu,” says Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease researcher at Vanderbilt University. “Now, with COVID-19 still causing significant hospitalizations and deaths, this respiratory season is worse than before the pandemic.”

Health officials emphasize that it is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. While the vaccines are not perfect, they significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Dr. Schaffner also recommends frequent handwashing, masking in crowded places, and getting tested to determine which virus someone has contracted, as antiviral treatments are available for both flu and COVID-19.

In addition to these viruses, other respiratory infections, such as mycoplasma pneumoniae and adenovirus, are circulating widely. Pediatric hospitals, in particular, are experiencing high patient volumes due to RSV and flu cases. “Our hospitals are busy,” says Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious diseases specialist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. “Influenza has now joined the party, and we’re really starting to roll.”

The CDC estimates that this season has already seen at least 5.3 million flu illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths, including 11 children. While the current respiratory virus season appears typical compared to previous years, the combination of flu, COVID-19, and RSV is creating significant challenges for healthcare systems and families alike.