RSV Season Has Arrived Across United States

Federal health officials have confirmed the start of the annual respiratory syncytial virus season.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Asthma

Sterile medical gloves and a glass laboratory beaker on a white surface, representing clinical medical preparedness. — Health officials confirmed the start of the annual respiratory syncytial virus season in the United States, urging regular hygiene practices and medical precautions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season has officially begun in the United States. Officials project infection rates for the current season will remain similar to last year.

Why it matters

RSV is a highly contagious virus that poses severe health risks to vulnerable populations, including potential dehydration and lung damage in young children.

Last year, the respiratory virus season resulted in 5.8 million outpatient visits, 340,000 hospitalizations, and 25,000 deaths. Current data projections indicate this season will mirror those historical figures.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The agency serves as the national public health institute in the United States and manages respiratory virus tracking and vaccination guidance.

The details

Individuals are encouraged to prevent transmission by washing hands regularly and sterilizing toys, while parents should keep sick children home from school or daycare. Specific medical interventions, including vaccines and antibody treatments, are available for designated age groups and high-risk individuals.

The annual RSV season has officially arrived as of October 2026.
Pregnant individuals may receive an RSV vaccine between pregnancy weeks 32 and 36.

The Big Picture

This season follows the standardized patterns monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention respiratory virus surveillance program. This infrastructure tracks seasonal infection trends to guide national vaccination policy.

Adults age 75 and older, as well as those aged 50 to 74 with increased risks, are now eligible to receive the RSV vaccine. Additionally, antibody treatments are available for high-risk infants and children between 8 and 19 months old.

The takeaway

Maintaining hygiene through handwashing and toy sterilization remains the most effective way to slow the spread of the virus. Households with young children should be vigilant about symptoms to mitigate the risk of severe lung damage.