The cold season is upon us, and with it comes waves of colds and flu. You’ve probably noticed someone at work with a persistent cough, or your child has come home from school with a fever for the second time in a month. It’s not your imagination; we are officially entering the 2025-2026 peak season for respiratory viruses.
According to a recent report by CIDRAP and the CDC, published on November 24, 2025, viral activity is on the rise, and it’s not just COVID-19, but a whole bunch of viruses.
The calm before the storm
At first glance, the CDC maps appear calm. However, this picture is misleading, especially before the family, friend, and work gatherings that typically occur during the winter holidays. Currently, three states are already reporting “moderate” levels of respiratory illness: Alabama, Arkansas, and New Hampshire.
One of the most vulnerable groups this season will be young children. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is on the rise, especially in the southern United States. Emergency room visits for children up to four years old are skyrocketing in these states. RSV causes inflammation in the airways and can be dangerous for babies.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, commonly known as “walking pneumonia,” is also on the rise. The CDC has reported elevated levels of this bacteria in several parts of the country.
Another major concern for pediatricians, parents, and guardians is whooping cough, which has declined since its peak in late 2024 but remains highly contagious. It poses a great danger to newborns, as they are too young to receive the vaccine yet.
CDC Projections for the beginning of 2026
The CDC’s predictive models suggest that the combined burden of all these viruses we have mentioned will peak between late December 2025 and mid-January 2026.
After the Christmas season, we will likely see pediatric emergency rooms overwhelmed during January. We can also expect high levels of absenteeism from work and school when people return from their Christmas vacations.
However, the good news is that there does not appear to be a new radical variant of COVID on the horizon in the coming weeks, so experts predict that the number of hospitalizations will be similar—or slightly lower—than last year. It will be a busy season for illness, but it will be manageable, and we are prepared.
How to be ready for flu season
Now that you know that RSV and whooping cough are circulating, you can act quickly if your children start coughing persistently. Although there is no need to panic, this type of news reminds you of the importance of washing your hands regularly, not touching your eyes and nose while you are away from home, and disposing of every tissue you use.
You still have time to get your flu shot if you haven’t already. On average, vaccines take two weeks to become fully effective… Just in time for the January peak of illnesses. This isn’t about living in fear, but rather using common sense to start 2026 off on the right foot in good health.
FAQs
Which symptoms should I look out for?
Sudden high fever, severe muscle aches, and extreme fatigue may indicate the flu or COVID. In children, wheezing (or rib retractions when trying to breathe) may indicate RSV.
When should I seek medical attention?
- If you have difficulty breathing, feel pain or pressure in your chest, or have a blue face (or lips), do not hesitate to go to the emergency room.
- If your baby is breathing very quickly or has not wet their diaper in 8 hours—a sign of dehydration—go to the emergency room.
- If you were getting better but seem to have relapsed, make another appointment with your doctor, as this may indicate a secondary infection.
Are there any risk groups?
The population groups most at risk are babies and children up to 4 years of age, and adults over 65. In addition, pregnant women are also highly vulnerable to complications from these viruses.