Respiratory Virus Insights
Stay informed with the latest respiratory illness activity levels from CDC data. Updated weekly.
Last Updated: January 31, 2026
Current Activity Levels
National respiratory virus surveillance data for the 2025-2026 season.
COVID-19
Moderate Activity- * Activity remains low nationally but increasing in several states
- * Wastewater surveillance shows upticks in viral circulation
- * Growing in 11 states, declining in 11 states
- * Peak typically occurs late December to early January
Influenza
High Activity- * 39,945 hospital admissions this week (up from 33,301)
- * H3N2 strain predominant this season
- * 44 pediatric deaths reported (90% unvaccinated)
- * Flu seasons typically peak December-February
RSV
Elevated Activity- * Growing or likely growing in 22 states
- * ED visits and hospitalizations increasing for ages 0-4
- * Declining in 5 states, stable in 22 states
- * National peak typically late December to early January
Data from CDC: CDC Respiratory Virus Activity & CDC FluView
2025-2026 Season Outlook
CDC continues to expect that the U.S. fall and winter respiratory disease season will likely have a similar number of combined peak hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV compared to last season.
COVID-19 Peak
Late December - Early January
Flu Peak
December - February (varies)
RSV Peak
Late December - Early January
Vaccination Note: Vaccination coverage for both influenza and RSV remain "suboptimal" according to the CDC. Among children who were eligible for influenza vaccination, approximately 90% of reported pediatric deaths this season occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated.
Respiratory Testing Services
NuWav Laboratories provides CLIA-certified molecular PCR testing for all respiratory pathogens.
Texas COVID-19 Testing
Medicare/Medicaid accepted. 24-48 hour turnaround.
Texas Flu Testing
Influenza A/B strain identification.
Texas RSV Testing
Pediatric and adult RSV detection.
California COVID-19 Testing
Overnight specimen shipping available.
California Flu Testing
High-volume capacity for flu season.
California RSV Testing
SNF and hospital outbreak support.
Partner With NuWav Laboratories
Contact us today to discuss your core laboratory testing needs and receive our complete test menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about NuWav Laboratories testing services
How often is NuWav's respiratory virus data updated?+
We refresh respiratory virus activity data weekly, sourced directly from CDC FluView, RESP-NET, and the CDC Respiratory Virus Activity dashboard. Last updated: January 31, 2026.
When does the respiratory virus season typically peak?+
Per CDC surveillance, COVID-19 and RSV typically peak late December to early January, while influenza peaks December through February. NuWav scales molecular PCR capacity ahead of these peaks each year.
Should providers test for COVID, flu, and RSV separately or together?+
Combined respiratory PCR panels are clinically efficient when symptoms overlap. NuWav offers single-target tests as well as multiplex respiratory panels that detect SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and RSV from one specimen.
What does High, Elevated, or Moderate activity mean?+
These categories reflect CDC's wastewater, ED visit, and hospitalization indicators. High activity means widespread circulation with rising hospitalizations; Elevated indicates above-baseline transmission; Moderate signals localized but expanding spread.
How does NuWav support providers during respiratory virus surges?+
During surge periods we expand automated PCR capacity, prioritize next-day overnight specimen receipt, and offer dedicated support for SNFs, hospitals, and outbreak investigations. Call 972-327-8857 for surge planning.
Medically Reviewed By: NuWav Laboratories Medical Director · CLIA Director #45D2306629
Last reviewed: May 11, 2026 · Information on this page reflects current laboratory protocols. For diagnostic guidance, consult your healthcare provider.