Respiratory Risk Report
Week ending in May 23, 2026
Biobot’s nationwide network shows that respiratory virus activity remains low across the U.S. National averages for COVID-19, flu A & B, RSV, and HMPV are all very low and are either declining or holding steady. Across regions, activity also remains low and mostly stable.
One exception: this is the first week in months that Biobot is observing an increase in COVID-19 activity in the Midwest. All other regions remain low and steady. It’s too early to know whether this is the start of a surge or just a small fluctuation, but it’s a signal worth watching.
The Bottom Line: We’re still in a low-risk period for respiratory disease, nationally and across most regions. The main thing to watch is COVID-19 in the Midwest, where activity is starting to increase slightly after months of decline. This doesn’t change the overall picture for now, but it’s an early signal worth watching. We’ll keep an eye on this and share updates as data come in.
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 slightly increasing 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 holding steady 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.
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Wastewater data from Biobot Analytics for RSV, influenza, HMPV, and SARS-CoV-2 are through May 23, 2026 (MMWR week 20).
Is there a similar report for GI viruses? I know dozens of people in the NYC area who have contracted something quite nasty in the past week. Wondering if norovirus is surging. Wash your hands, everyone!