Summary: Week of 5/16/26
Biobot’s nationwide network shows a quieter respiratory virus picture across the U.S. Overall, COVID-19 and influenza A are holding steady at very low levels nationally, while influenza B, RSV, and HMPV are decreasing. Regionally, the pattern is reassuring too: all viruses are either decreasing or staying very low across the South, Midwest, Northeast, and West.
The Bottom Line: We’re continuing to move into a lower-risk period. But, RSV, HMPV, and influenza B are still circulating in some places at lower levels. If you’re at higher risk, or spending time with someone who is, it still makes sense to use extra layers when needed, especially in crowded indoor spaces or around anyone who is sick.
National Outlook
COVID-19
Nationally, SARS-CoV-2 is holding steady at very low levels.
Influenza
Nationally, influenza A is holding steady at very low levels while influenza B is 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 holding steady at very low levels 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 holding steady at very low levels in the Midwest.
Influenza: Influenza A is holding steady at very low levels in the Midwest, while influenza B is decreasing.
RSV: RSV is decreasing in the Midwest.
HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the Midwest.
The Northeast
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is holding steady at very low levels in the Northeast.
Influenza: Influenza A is holding steady at very low levels in the Northeast, while influenza B is decreasing.
RSV: RSV is decreasing in the Northeast.
HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the Northeast.
The West
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is holding steady at very low levels in the West.
Influenza: Influenza A is holding steady at very low levels in the West, while influenza B is decreasing.
RSV: RSV is decreasing in the West.
HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the West.
To get these updates straight to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack here https://biobotanalytics.substack.com/
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 May 16, 2026 (MMWR week 19).