Flu activity typically peaks between December and March and can linger into May. While there’s no distinct peak season for COVID, cases spiked in late December of 2023 into early January 2024.
In aseasonal prediction report from Dec. 20, the CDC projected that the peak hospitalizations for all three viruses will likely be similar or lower to those in previous years, but that the numbers will still be higher than what they were pre-COVID.
Here’s a breakdown of the most recent trends for the flu, COVID, and RSV.
Influenza
For the week ending Dec. 28, clinical laboratories tested 63,682 specimens for flu viruses. Of these, 18.7% were positive,a significant increase from 2.5% in late November. Among the positive results, influenza A accounted for 11,674 (98%) of positive flu cases, and influenza B accounted for 238 (2%).
The CDC tracks flu activity using reports of doctor’s visits forflu-like illnesses—symptoms such as fever combined with a cough or sore throat—rather than confirmed cases of influenza. This approach means the data may include other respiratory illnesses like RSV or the common cold.
COVID-19
For the week ending on Dec. 28, test positivity rate was 7.1%, about the same as the week prior. Emergency room visits with a positive COVID diagnosis were at 1.2%, up slightly from 0.9% the previous week. Hospitalization rates were up slightly from 2.0 per 100,000 the week prior to 2.2 per 100,000 for the most recent week.
For the most current COVID case counts in your area, check with your local health department.
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COVID Vaccination RateAs of Dec. 23, the CDC reports that 20.9% of adults in the U.S. reported having gotten a COVID vaccine for the 2024-2025 season. An additional 9.8% report that they will definitely get vaccinated. Around 10% of children have received the COVID shot so far this year, with an additional 8.5% of caregivers stating that they intend to get their child vaccinated.
COVID Vaccination Rate
As of Dec. 23, the CDC reports that 20.9% of adults in the U.S. reported having gotten a COVID vaccine for the 2024-2025 season. An additional 9.8% report that they will definitely get vaccinated. Around 10% of children have received the COVID shot so far this year, with an additional 8.5% of caregivers stating that they intend to get their child vaccinated.
RSV
As of Dec. 28, the CDC reports that RSV activity is high and increasing throughout most of the U.S., particularly among young children—a group highly vulnerable to severe RSV infections. The number of emergency room visits for RSV is high and rising.
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The CDC also tracks RSVvaccination data. So far this year, the uptake of RSV vaccine among eligible people has been low.
As of Dec. 23, about 44% of adults 75 and older reported having ever received the RSV shot, while 7.5% said they “definitely” plan to get vaccinated. Among adults aged 60–74 with high-risk conditions, 32.8% reported having ever received the RSV vaccine, and 13.7% said they plan on getting vaccinated.
RSV Vaccine EligbilityThe RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults ages 75 and older. Those ages 60 to 74 who are at high risk for severe RSV are also recommended to get the shot. Older adults face an especially high risk of RSV and its complications, but getting vaccinated can reduce the risk.
RSV Vaccine Eligbility
The RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults ages 75 and older. Those ages 60 to 74 who are at high risk for severe RSV are also recommended to get the shot. Older adults face an especially high risk of RSV and its complications, but getting vaccinated can reduce the risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CDC tracks “influenza-like illness” (ILI) activity levels in each state and presents aweekly flu surveillance report. ILI activity levels are defined as the following:
Data on ILI activity can give you a sense of how many people have respiratory symptoms in your state.If the ILI activity level where you live is high, it can be a sign that the flu is “going around” in your community. You can take preventive steps, such aswashing your hands frequentlyand getting a flu shot, to help reduce your risk of getting sick.If you haveflu-like symptoms, call your provider to see if you should have a test. They might want you to take antiviral medications such asTamifluto help reduce your symptoms. While you are sick, wear a mask and stay at home to help keep other people from catching the flu from you.
Data on ILI activity can give you a sense of how many people have respiratory symptoms in your state.
If the ILI activity level where you live is high, it can be a sign that the flu is “going around” in your community. You can take preventive steps, such aswashing your hands frequentlyand getting a flu shot, to help reduce your risk of getting sick.
If you haveflu-like symptoms, call your provider to see if you should have a test. They might want you to take antiviral medications such asTamifluto help reduce your symptoms. While you are sick, wear a mask and stay at home to help keep other people from catching the flu from you.
New variants of the COVID virusare always emerging, as it’s natural for viruses to change over time. Researchers follow new variants closely to see if the changes in the viruses may make them more of a threat. For example, they might become better at spreading or resisting vaccines and treatments. Getting the most updated COVID vaccine is key to protecting yourself from severe illness.
The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on respiratory illnesses, visit ournews page.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly US influenza surveillance report: key updates for week 52, ending December 28, 2024.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID data tracker.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory illness data channel.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly RSV vaccination dashboard.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly US influenza surveillance report: key updates for week 52, ending December 28, 2024.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID data tracker.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory illness data channel.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly RSV vaccination dashboard.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly US influenza surveillance report: key updates for week 52, ending December 28, 2024.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID data tracker.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory illness data channel.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly RSV vaccination dashboard.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly US influenza surveillance report: key updates for week 52, ending December 28, 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID data tracker.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory illness data channel.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly RSV vaccination dashboard.
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