As flu season gains momentum, new federal data suggest that COVID-19 is once again showing signs of spread in parts of the United States.
While national activity remains relatively low, the simultaneous rise of multiple respiratory viruses is drawing attention from health officials as winter approaches.
According to the latest updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 cases are currently increasing or are expected to increase in 19 states.
In contrast, only four states—California, Hawaii, Maine, and Washington—are seeing declines, while just over 20 states are experiencing stable trends with little change.
States with confirmed increases include New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Mississippi, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, trends suggest likely growth in states such as Texas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Iowa, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont, and Massachusetts, among others.
Despite these regional increases, the CDC continues to categorize overall COVID-19 activity nationwide as low. Wastewater surveillance data collected earlier this month also reflected minimal virus circulation across much of the country.
Influenza, however, is becoming more widespread. CDC reports indicate that flu activity is rising or likely rising in 42 states, with no states reporting declines. While the overall flu burden remains classified as low, the sharp geographic spread signals the early stages of seasonal escalation.
Vaccination trends raise some concern. Uptake of the latest COVID-19 vaccines continues to drop, with roughly 6 percent of children and 14 percent of adults having received the most recent shot—lower than this time last year. Health officials continue to encourage parents to consult pediatricians about vaccination, particularly for children and teens.
In August, the Food and Drug Administration authorized updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025–2026 fall and winter season from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax. At the same time, emergency use authorizations were formally withdrawn, reflecting the virus’s reduced threat compared to the early pandemic period.
Flu vaccination rates have remained steadier. About one-third of children and slightly more than one-third of adults have already received a flu shot this season, with adult coverage modestly higher than last year. Hospitalizations linked to COVID-19 and RSV remain low, while flu-related hospital admissions are tracking similarly to last fall.
Adding to respiratory health concerns, Washington state recently reported a death linked to the H5N5 avian influenza strain in an older adult with underlying health conditions and known exposure to backyard poultry. Officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low.
Conclusion
Although COVID-19 activity remains limited nationwide, its rise in several states alongside expanding flu transmission highlights the need for continued vigilance. Vaccination, early symptom monitoring, and preventive measures remain key tools for reducing severe illness—especially for older adults and those with underlying conditions.
As multiple respiratory viruses circulate this season, staying informed and proactive will be essential to protecting both individual and public health.