Summary: Week of 1/24/26
Biobot’s national wastewater data shows that respiratory virus trends are beginning to shift again. COVID-19 levels are rising again nationally—it’s not unusual for there to be fluctuations at this point in the season. Influenza and RSV remain steady nationally, but regional patterns are more mixed. In the South, RSV is decreasing while flu B is climbing. Meanwhile, the Midwest and West are seeing increases in COVID-19 and flu A.
The Bottom Line: After a brief lull, some regions are seeing upticks in respiratory viruses. Keep an eye on your local trends—and continue layering protections, especially if you’re at higher risk.
National Outlook
COVID-19
Nationally, SARS-CoV-2 is increasing again.
Influenza
Nationally, influenza A and B are holding steady.
RSV
Nationally, RSV is holding steady.
Regional Outlook
The South
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is holding steady in the South.
Influenza: Influenza A is decreasing in the South while influenza B is increasing.
RSV: RSV is decreasing in the South.
The Midwest
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is increasing in the Midwest.
Influenza: Influenza A is slightly increasing in the Midwest, while influenza B is decreasing.
RSV: RSV is holding steady 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.
The West
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is increasing in the West.
Influenza: Influenza A and B are increasing in the West.
RSV: RSV is slightly increasing in the West.
Footnotes:
We continue to monitor the evolving H5N1 influenza virus situation, and can now test samples specifically for H5 (including H5N1) — see our blog here and please reach out to hello@biobot.io if interested. A quick reminder that Biobot’s influenza A assay described in this report includes the H5N1 influenza subtype, which is an influenza A virus, but does not distinguish between the different subtypes of influenza A (e.g. H5N1 vs H1N1). We will share any important updates as we have them. Wastewater data from Biobot Analytics for RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 are through January 24, 2026 (MMWR week 3).