Infectious Disease AdvisorCDC Details Seasonal Trends for Respiratory Viruses in the United States

CDC surveillance data from July 2024 to June 2025 confirms RSV remains the leading hospitalization driver for infants, with rates of 1,116 per 100,000 in those under 12 months. COVID-19 caused an estimated 290,000–450,000 hospitalizations nationally. Both viruses follow predictable seasonal windows, reinforcing targeted prevention timing for pediatric patients.

🔬 Clinical Considerations

• Infants under 6 months face disproportionate COVID-19 hospitalization risk (285.6 per 100,000), second only to adults 75 and older
• RSV hospitalization rates remain highest in children under 24 months, with toddlers 12–23 months at 770.6 per 100,000
• RSV epidemic window ran November through late March, consistent with prior seasons and supporting nirsevimab and maternal vaccine timing decisions
• SARS-CoV-2 showed two activity peaks (August 2024 and January 2025), unlike RSV’s single winter peak, complicating prevention messaging

🎯 Practice Applications

• Time nirsevimab administration ahead of the November RSV epidemic onset
• Prioritize COVID-19 vaccination counseling for families with infants under 6 months
• Reinforce isolation protocols during August and January SARS-CoV-2 peaks with high-risk families
• Document vaccination status for RSV and COVID-19 at every fall well-child visit

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