Respiratory Test Positivity and Emergency Department Visits Continue Decreasing

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the upcoming fall and winter respiratory disease season in the United States is expected to have a similar number of combined peak hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV compared to last season. 

However, the rate of COVID-19 test positivity and emergency department (ED) visits continues to decrease in the Fall 2025 season.

As of the week ending September 27, 2025, CDC data indicates test positivity dropped to 6.7% compared to 9.6% the previous week.

And the percentage of ED visits diagnosed as COVID-19 fell from 1% to 0.7%.

Previously, the CDC's Influenza Surveillance Report for Week 38 of 2025 indicated that very few influenza cases had been reported this season.

The CDC writes, 'It is difficult to predict the magnitude and timing of peak activity for each disease, as well as how disease-specific timing might overlap.'

The CDC recommends consulting a healthcare provider in your local community for the best health and vaccination advice.