February 16, 2026- As one variant of the flu virus starts to decline, another is rising to take its place. Influenza A is still the most common type of flu circulating, but influenza B has risen for two weeks straight, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza B made up about 23% of cases tested in nationwide labs during the last week of January.
The latest available data shows flu activity “remains elevated nationally,” but most regions are stable or getting better. Flu test positivity was slightly higher last week than the week before, at 18.6%, and outpatient visits for respiratory illness reached the 4.6% mark, up from 4.4% the previous week. One exception: the Pacific Northwest states are still seeing things get worse, according to CDC tracking.
Levels of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also high and growing in many parts of the country, with elevated emergency department (ED) visits among children younger than one year and those aged one to four years, according to the University of Minnesota. Hospital admissions are highest among infants younger than one year. COVID-19 rates are still elevated and are growing in some states, but ED visits for the virus are decreasing.