Infection Prevention

CDC Releases Respiratory Virus Activity Report

Jan. 27, 2025

CDC's report shows high levels of respiratory illness causing healthcare visits, with increased influenza test positivity. COVID-19 and RSV test positivity remained stable. Predictions indicate lower COVID-19 emergency visits but high influenza visits.

Janette Wider

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On Jan. 24, the CDC released its respiratory virus level activity report. Although there is still uncertainty about external communications from federal health agencies, the CDC updated its website with new information.

Key highlights include:

The amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare remains high.
Nationally, emergency department visits are very high for diagnosed influenza and moderate for RSV. Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are low.
Nationally, influenza test positivity increased to 25.0%. COVID-19 and RSV test positivity remained stable at 6.2% and 8.8%, respectively.
Nationally, wastewater viral activity levels for influenza A are at high levels. National COVID-19 and RSV wastewater viral activity levels are moderate.
COVID predictions for the next two weeks suggest that emergency department visits will remain at a lower level compared to prior winter seasons. Influenza predictions suggest that emergency department visits will be high and will increase in most states.