NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, January 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Public health expert Dr. Syra Madad and Critical Health Voices, a team of experts in public health, media and healthcare, have launched a powerful new bi-weekly Respiratory Season Situation Report on Substack called Critical Health Voices. This Respiratory Tracker gives the public a clear, timely snapshot of RSV, seasonal influenza, and COVID-19 activity across the United States—free of charge.
In a time when respiratory viruses can shift quickly from “low” to “surging,” Critical Health Voices’ Respiratory Tracker turns complex surveillance data into a concise, plain-language briefing designed for everyone—not just scientists and policy makers.
Each bi-weekly Respiratory Tracker:
– Analyzes the latest national and regional data on RSV, flu, and COVID-19, including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and outpatient trends.
– Highlights where viral activity is increasing—by region and age group—so families, caregivers, schools, and workplaces know when to be extra vigilant.
– Translates technical indicators into practical insight, explaining what “low,” “increasing,” or “above baseline” really means for everyday life.
– Provides key takeaways and simple actions for individuals, caregivers, and health professionals to use right away.
Recent editions have broken down trends such as:
– RSV activity rising in specific U.S. regions and among young children.
– Seasonal flu activity slowly increasing, especially among children and young adults.
– COVID-19 remaining low nationally, while reminding readers that localized increases are still possible.
“People are busy and overwhelmed by conflicting messages,” said Dr. Syra Madad. “The Respiratory Tracker is designed to be the one clear update you can count on every two weeks—what’s happening, where, and what you should keep in mind. Our team at Critical Health Voices brings deep expertise in public health and healthcare to make the data understandable and actionable.”
Free Subscription, Maximum Access
The Critical Health Voices Respiratory Tracker is available free to all subscribers. By subscribing, readers receive the bi-weekly situation report straight to their inbox, along with additional analysis on infectious disease trends and practical public-health guidance from a multidisciplinary expert team.
Subscribe now to:
– Stay ahead of RSV, flu, and COVID-19 trends.
– Understand when and where viral activity is changing.
– Get trustworthy, expert, data-driven insights in clear, accessible language.
As of January 5, 2026, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek health care is at a very high level for the first time in the current 2025-2026 season.
Seasonal influenza activity is elevated and continues to increase across the country. RSV activity is elevated in many areas of the country with emergency department visits and hospitalizations increasing among children 0-4 years old. COVID-19 activity is low but increasing nationally.
– Seasonal influenza activity is elevated and continues to increase across the country.
– RSV activity is elevated in many areas of the country with emergency department visits and hospitalizations increasing among children 0-4 years old.
– COVID-19 activity is low but increasing nationally.
Summary
Respiratory illness activity remains elevated nationwide, consistent with peak winter-season patterns.
– COVID-19: 0.8% of emergency department visit. Activity continues to be low to moderate, with severe outcomes still concentrated among older adults. 20 hospitalizations per 100,000 people.
– RSV: 0.5% of emergency department visit. RSV activity remains high, particularly among infants and older adults, though signs of stabilization are emerging in some regions. RSV activity is elevated in many areas of the country with emergency department visits and hospitalizations increasing among children 0-4 years old. 35 hospitalizations per 100,000 people.
– Seasonal Flu: 8.3% of emergency department visit. Influenza activity is increasing across most parts of the country and is currently the main driver of respiratory-related healthcare visits. 50 hospitalizations per 100,000 people.
To receive more information and the bi-weekly Respiratory Tracker and other public health updates at no cost, visit Critical Health Voices on Substack and subscribe today.
Link: https://criticalhealthvoices.substack.com/
Marisa Spano
Elkordy Global Strategies
marisa@elkordyglobal.com
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