RSV Remains Elevated as Other Respiratory Illnesses Decline

Experts warn of ongoing RSV risk through spring, especially for high-risk groups

Mar. 24, 2026 at 8:21am

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows that while other respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19 are declining, rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain elevated in many regions, particularly the upper Midwest. Experts say this later-than-expected RSV surge may keep respiratory infections on the radar into the spring, affecting both young children and older adults.

Why it matters

RSV can cause severe illness, especially in infants, young children, and high-risk adults. The shift in seasonal RSV patterns could pose diagnostic challenges for clinicians who may not suspect RSV outside the typical timeframe. Ongoing vigilance and prevention measures are crucial to protect vulnerable populations.

The details

According to the CDC data, the risk for RSV at the end of the winter season is mainly moderate but elevated in many regions, even as other respiratory viruses decline. Experts say factors like reduced natural immunity due to COVID-19 mitigation measures and increased viral transmission during spring break travel may be contributing to the shift in RSV patterns. RSV most severely affects young children under 6 months, premature babies, and those with underlying medical conditions.

  • In late March, the CDC data showed elevated RSV rates in many regions, notably the upper Midwest.
  • The current RSV season started in late September or early October 2025 and has continued to have ongoing spread and severe disease in many areas of the country.

The players

Robert H. Hopkins, Jr, MD

Medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

Shirin Mazumder, MD

Infectious diseases specialist and associate professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“This season started in late September or early October, and we continue to have ongoing spread and severe RSV disease in many areas of the country.”

— Robert H. Hopkins, Jr, MD, Medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases

“RSV prevention is of particular importance because we do not currently have any effective antiviral medications for RSV. Long-acting RSV monoclonals and vaccines are important for adults, pregnant women, and infants and young children at risk for severe disease and remain the first line of defense for persons at highest risk.”

— Robert H. Hopkins, Jr, MD, Medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases

What’s next

Clinicians should continue to consider RSV in the differential diagnosis along with influenza and COVID-19 for patients of any age who present with respiratory illness. Promoting the use of RSV monoclonal antibodies for high-risk infants and toddlers, encouraging maternal RSV vaccine and RSV vaccination among high-risk adults, and counseling patients on good hygiene practices remain crucial prevention measures.

The takeaway

The shift in seasonal RSV patterns highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and prevention efforts, especially to protect vulnerable populations like young children and high-risk adults. Clinicians must remain alert to the possibility of RSV outside the typical timeframe to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate management.