Summer Isn't Over Yet, But Respiratory Viruses Are Starting to Pick Up

Summer Isn’t Over Yet, But Respiratory Viruses Are Starting to Pick Up

Respiratory illness levels remain low nationwide, but the CDC says COVID-19, rhinovirus, and enterovirus activity are beginning to increase as summer comes to an end.

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The end of summer usually means one thing: kids heading back to school, families getting back into their normal routines, and more people spending time together indoors.

It can also mean the return of some familiar viruses.

According to the latest CDC data, overall respiratory illness levels remain very low nationally, but some viruses are beginning to show increased activity as August continues. COVID-19 activity is increasing nationally, while rhinovirus and enterovirus are also on the rise.

Why Viruses Can Pick Up Toward the End of Summer

The timing isn’t necessarily a surprise.

The CDC says rhinoviruses and enteroviruses circulate throughout the year but typically peak during the spring and late summer into fall. These viruses can cause cold-like symptoms, including coughing, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and fever.

The return of school can also create more opportunities for viruses to spread. Children are suddenly back in classrooms, sports practices, extracurricular activities, and other crowded settings.

That means a virus that starts with one student can quickly make its way through a household.

COVID Is Also Increasing

While COVID-19 levels remain relatively low compared with major surges seen in previous years, the CDC says activity is currently increasing across the country.

As of Aug. 21, the agency estimates COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 47 states, while no states are currently showing a declining trend.

That doesn’t mean another major COVID wave is underway, but it does mean the virus is circulating more as summer winds down.

What About Flu and RSV?

So far, there’s better news when it comes to two other major respiratory viruses.

The CDC says seasonal flu activity remains low, while RSV activity is also very low in most parts of the country. RSV continues to be most concerning for infants and young children, particularly those under 4.

The CDC will resume its regular seasonal flu and RSV activity updates as the 2026-27 respiratory virus season approaches.

How to Protect Yourself

You don’t have to spend the last weeks of summer hiding indoors.

Health officials recommend basic precautions that can help reduce your chances of getting sick, especially as children return to school:

Wash your hands regularly.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home when you’re sick.
Improve ventilation when possible.
Consider wearing a mask if you’re sick or around someone at higher risk.
Stay up to date on recommended vaccinations.

North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services also tracks COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity through its respiratory virus dashboard.

The Bottom Line

There isn’t currently a nationwide respiratory virus surge, and the CDC says overall respiratory illness levels remain very low.

Still, the late-summer increase in rhinovirus, enterovirus, and COVID-19 activity is a reminder that the transition from summer to fall can bring more opportunities for viruses to spread.

With kids heading back to school and fall approaching, it may be a good time to refresh those hand-washing habits and remember that sometimes the best way to enjoy the last weeks of summer is to avoid spending them sick.