Summary: Week of 4/18/26
For the first time this season, all respiratory viruses we track are decreasing across the board—nationally and in every region. That includes SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, RSV, and HMPV. This is a very welcome sign that respiratory virus activity is broadly easing after months of overlapping circulation. One important thing to note, though, is that RSV, influenza B, and HMPV remain elevated compared to the others. We’re also still seeing that reflected in clinical data, especially among the youngest children. The good news is that these are also decreasing.
The Bottom Line: This is the most encouraging respiratory virus update we’ve had in a while—everything is moving in the right direction. RSV, influenza B, and HMPV are still worth paying attention to because they’re higher than other viruses and, especially for RSV, continue to affect the youngest kids most, but the trends are improving. For the public, this means respiratory virus risk is coming down overall, while the usual precautions still matter around infants, older adults, and others at higher risk.
National Outlook
COVID-19
Nationally, SARS-CoV-2 is decreasing.
Influenza
Nationally, influenza A and B are decreasing.
RSV
Nationally, RSV is decreasing.
HMPV
Nationally, HMPV is decreasing.
Regional Outlook
The South
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is decreasing in the South.
Influenza: Influenza A and B are decreasing in the South.
RSV: RSV is decreasing in the South.
HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the South.
The Midwest
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is decreasing in the Midwest.
Influenza: Influenza A and B are decreasing in the Midwest.
RSV: RSV is decreasing in the Midwest.
HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the Midwest.
The Northeast
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is decreasing in the Northeast.
Influenza: Influenza A and B are decreasing in the Northeast.
RSV: RSV is decreasing in the Northeast.
HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the Northeast.
The West
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is decreasing in the West.
Influenza: Influenza A and B are decreasing in the West.
RSV: RSV is decreasing in the West.
HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the West.
Footnotes:
We continue to monitor evolving health threats, like measles outbreaks and H5N1 avian influenza, and can test samples specifically for these viruses. Please reach out to hello@biobot.io if interested. We will share any important updates as we have them. Wastewater data from Biobot Analytics for RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 are through April 18, 2026 (MMWR week 15).