PAHO Issues Urgent Alert on Dual Respiratory Threat in the Americas
Washington, D.C., January 10, 2026 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a critical alert, urging nations across the Americas to brace for a dual respiratory challenge. The alert highlights the concurrent circulation of seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a situation that could strain hospitals and clinics throughout the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere.
This alert builds upon an earlier advisory released on December 4, 2025, which warned of a potentially earlier and more intense respiratory season than usual. Globally, influenza activity has been on the rise since October 2025, with A(H3N2) dominating and early signs of seasonal activity emerging in several Northern Hemisphere countries. Simultaneously, RSV circulation is showing a gradual upward trend.
In the Americas, influenza positivity rates remain elevated above 10% in the Northern Hemisphere. North and Central America are experiencing sustained increases, while the Caribbean sees levels approaching 20%, with A(H3N2) predominating. Analysis of key countries (the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Spain) reveals an early and rapid start to the influenza season, marked by increased outpatient visits, particularly among children, and rising hospitalizations, especially among older adults.
Despite these patterns aligning with expected seasonal dynamics and overall severity remaining comparable to previous seasons, some countries are witnessing activity levels that surpass those of recent seasons. This context underscores the importance of close and continuous monitoring to adjust health service response plans.
Dr. Marc Rondy, PAHO Regional Adviser in Epidemiology of Epidemic- and Pandemic-Prone Diseases, emphasizes the need for action. He states, 'The simultaneous circulation of influenza and RSV poses a significant challenge. We must prioritize vaccination, which safeguards against severe cases requiring hospitalization, and maintain vigilant surveillance to prevent larger outbreaks and avoid hospital overcrowding.'
PAHO highlights the effectiveness of current influenza vaccines in preventing hospitalizations (30-40% effectiveness in adults and 75% in children). They urge countries to achieve high vaccination coverage, especially among vulnerable groups like children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with chronic conditions.
To address this situation, PAHO recommends:
- Enhanced integrated surveillance of influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory viruses, with weekly data reporting to FluNET and FluID for regional and global monitoring.
- Preparation and adjustment of health service response plans to manage potential simultaneous increases in influenza and RSV cases and hospitalizations.
- Prioritization of influenza and COVID-19 vaccination for at-risk groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, those with chronic conditions, and healthcare workers.
- Implementation of RSV prevention strategies, such as maternal vaccination and long-acting monoclonal antibodies for newborns and infants, in line with PAHO/WHO recommendations.
- Strengthening risk communication to promote key preventive practices.
PAHO reminds the public that simple measures like vaccination, frequent handwashing, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, wearing masks indoors when symptomatic, staying home with fever or respiratory symptoms, and seeking prompt medical care for severe symptoms are effective ways to protect themselves and their families, especially young children and older adults.
