Respiratory virus season is upon the United States as the cold weather months set in, meaning cases of COVID-19, influenza and RSV are set to increase.

In its annual outlook report , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it expects the 2025-26 respiratory virus season to have a similar number of peak hospitalizations from influenza, RSV and COVID-19 compared to last season.

Public health experts told ABC News the best way for people to protect themselves against these viruses is to get vaccinated.

A pharmacist gives a patient a flu shot in Miami on Sept. 9, 2025. AP Photo/Daniel Kozin

"We are so fortunate to be in a time that we have these protective measures, especially for our children," Dr. Hansa Bhargava, a board-certified pediatrician at Children's Health

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