25/01/2026
PAHO warns of simultaneous flu and RSV circulation in the Americas, urges vaccination and hospital preparedness
The Pan American Health Organization issued an alert urging countries across the Americas to prepare for overlapping waves of seasonal influenza and RSV. PAHO emphasized vaccination, surveillance, and readiness measures to prevent hospital overcrowding during the remainder of the Northern Hemisphere winter.
- Published
- Revised
An alert focused on winter pressure for hospitals
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert warning that the simultaneous circulation of seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) could place additional strain on hospitals and clinics across the Americas for the rest of the Northern Hemisphere winter. The agency urged countries to strengthen preparedness plans and to maintain close surveillance of multiple respiratory viruses.
PAHO’s message stresses a practical concern: when flu and RSV rise together, emergency departments and inpatient beds can fill rapidly—particularly with children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions who are more likely to develop complications. Health systems may also face staffing challenges, supply constraints, and longer wait times when respiratory admissions rise sharply.
Vaccination and prevention remain the main tools
PAHO emphasized vaccination as a key step to reduce severe outcomes and hospitalizations. The organization also highlighted surveillance and reporting, as well as planning for concurrent increases in influenza, RSV, and other respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. It encouraged clear risk communication so people understand when to seek care and how to reduce spread at home, school, and work.
For individuals, the advice is familiar but consequential during peaks: stay home when feverish, practice hand hygiene, consider masking indoors when sick, and seek medical help for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dehydration, or worsening conditions in infants and older adults.
What health leaders will monitor next
- Whether RSV and flu peaks overlap in major U.S. metro areas, increasing pediatric and geriatric admissions simultaneously.
- Vaccination uptake among high-risk groups and the impact on severe-case trends.
- Signals of hospital crowding, including ED wait times and pediatric bed availability.