What are the current trends for Respiratory Viral Infections across the United States?
Monitoring respiratory viruses—including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—is a standard practice in United States healthcare systems to track infection rates and clinical outcomes. These infections can vary significantly in how they affect patients, particularly regarding oxygen levels and long-term symptoms.
What the research says
Data from large U.S. healthcare systems show that while many people are infected with these viruses, the severity of the illness can differ by virus type. For example, a study of over 800,000 patients found that while SARS-CoV-2 and RSV infections were common, influenza was associated with lower odds of death compared to SARS-CoV-2 alone 2. Additionally, some respiratory viruses show different risks for hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) depending on the specific virus involved 2.
Research also looks at what happens after these infections are cleared. While many symptoms following a respiratory infection may be part of a general post-viral syndrome, certain conditions like pulmonary embolism and memory loss were found to occur more frequently specifically after SARS-CoV-2 infections compared to other respiratory viruses 3. Furthermore, the nasal environment in infants is being studied to see how local bacteria might influence how children respond to viral infections and subsequent wheezing 1.
What to ask your doctor
- How do the risks of hypoxemia or severe symptoms differ between influenza, RSV, and COVID-19?
- What are the common long-term symptoms associated with different types of respiratory viruses?
- Are there specific markers in my health that indicate a higher risk for complications from these infections?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Pulmonology & Critical Care and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.