What's Going Around Right Now? Flu, COVID, RSV & Measles Update (March 2026)

What Illnesses Are Going Around Right Now?

If you’re wondering whether the cough going around your office or your kid’s school is flu, COVID, RSV, or something else — here’s what the CDC data shows as of late March 2026.

Flu: Declining but Still Active

The 2025-2026 flu season peaked earlier this winter and is now declining nationally. The current ILI rate is 3.3% — classified as moderate. Some states, particularly in the South and West, still have elevated activity.

States with highest flu activity right now: Check the flu activity map for your state’s current level, or browse state-specific pages like Oregon, Alabama, or Illinois.

COVID-19: Moderate Activity

COVID-19 hospitalizations remain moderate nationally at about 1.2 per 100,000 residents per week. This is down significantly from winter peaks but the virus continues to circulate.

See your state’s COVID data on our COVID-19 dashboard.

RSV: Winding Down

RSV activity is low across most of the country, which is typical for this time of year. RSV season generally runs from fall through early spring, with the peak in December-January.

View the RSV dashboard for state-by-state data.

Measles: Ongoing Outbreaks in 30 States

This is the biggest story in public health right now. Over 600 measles cases have been confirmed in 2026 across 30 states. This is driven by pockets of low MMR vaccination coverage, with 39 states falling below the 95% herd immunity threshold.

Check whether your state has reported cases on our measles tracker and see your state’s MMR vaccination rate.

The Bottom Line

For most people right now, the biggest respiratory risk is still flu (declining but circulating). Measles is the most concerning trend because of its extreme contagiousness and the growing number of under-vaccinated communities.

The best things you can do:

Stay up to date on flu and COVID vaccines
Make sure your family’s MMR vaccinations are current
Check your state’s data on Local Health Signal for weekly updates

Updated weekly. Last update: March 25, 2026.