25/01/2026
PAHO urges preparedness as flu and RSV circulate together across the Americas this winter
PAHO issued an alert urging countries to strengthen readiness as seasonal influenza and RSV circulate simultaneously, potentially increasing pressure on hospitals. The agency warned that respiratory-season dynamics could strain systems through the remainder of the winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Published
- Revised
Health authorities across the Americas are being urged to prepare for added strain this winter as seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulate at the same time. In a January 10, 2026 alert, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) called on countries to remain vigilant and reinforce health system readiness as respiratory infections rise.
The concern is not only that multiple viruses are circulating, but that the overlap can intensify demand for emergency care, inpatient beds, and pediatric services. Hospitals can see spikes in admissions from older adults with influenza complications and from infants and young children affected by RSV, while also managing routine winter patient loads.
What PAHO is warning about
PAHO’s alert notes that influenza activity has been increasing since October 2025, with A(H3N2) predominating in global trends, while RSV circulation is also trending upward. The agency said the combination could place additional pressure on hospitals and clinics for the remainder of the Northern Hemisphere winter season, particularly where health systems are already stretched.
The message builds on earlier guidance issued in late 2025 that warned the respiratory season could arrive earlier or prove more intense than usual. For health systems, that can translate into staffing challenges, longer waiting times, and increased competition for beds, oxygen supplies, and isolation capacity.
What individuals can do
- Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, especially flu vaccination for eligible groups.
- Use layered prevention during surges: hand hygiene, staying home when sick, and masking in crowded indoor spaces if respiratory viruses are rising locally.
- Seek care early for warning signs such as trouble breathing, dehydration, persistent high fever, or worsening symptoms—particularly for infants, older adults, and people with underlying conditions.
Public health officials emphasize that seasonal waves change quickly from community to community. As winter continues, the practical goal is to reduce preventable severe illness and keep hospitals from being overwhelmed by a surge that could be blunted with vaccination, early treatment when indicated, and commonsense precautions.