RSV Detections Can be Deceiving

Globally, the timing of seasonal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreaks can vary by year and geography.

Based on various data sources, RSV cases are scarce everywhere as of August 19, 2024.

For example, the World Health Organization Influenza Update N° 488 reported that most countries had not reported RSV activity for the 2024-2025 season.

And in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported RSV incidence levels remained low as of August 19, 2024.

According to the CDC, RSV circulation in the U.S. usually begins in Florida and then migrates to the southeast and later to the north and west regions.

When reviewing the Florida Department of Health's latest RSV data, there appears to be a mixed message this year.

As of August 10, 2024, Florida reported that RSV positivity rates were increasing while hospital admissions were decreasing.

While health officials await inevitable changes to these reports, people in the U.S. have ample RSV protection options.

Over the past year, three RSV vaccines and enhanced one monoclonal antibody have become readily available at health clinics and pharmacies in the U.S. Expanded health insurance initiatives support these RSV products financially.

As the fall respiratory season approaches, the CDC encourages at-risk people, including children, to discuss RSV prevention options with a healthcare provider sooner rather than later in 2024.