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Seasonal Respiratory Viruses

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Seasonal Respiratory Viruses

It is common to get sick from respiratory viruses, especially during the fall and winter. There are actions you can take to protect yourself and others. Learn about COVID-19, flu and RSV, and how to prevent them and reduce your risk of getting seriously ill. 

The State of Michigan Chief Medical Executive has issued a standing recommendation that the state’s health care providers should refer to the respiratory virus immunization recommendations compiled by the American Medical Association (AMA) when determining which vaccines their patients should receive and the timing for their administration. 

The AMA’s recommendations are aligned with evidence and guidance from the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Vaccine Integrity Project and Infectious Diseases Society of America. 
 
In addition, the COVID-19 standing recommendation issued Sept. 19, 2025, remains in effect for the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine. 

Standing recommendation.

  • COVID Icon

    COVID-19

    is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2, and is very contagious. COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel like a cold, flu or pneumonia. It can also attack other body parts outside of the lungs and respiratory symptoms. 

    COVID Vaccine
    Recommendations 2026-2027

  • Flu thermometer icon

    Influenza (flu)

    is a contagious respiratory illness typically in the nose, throat, and lungs caused by influenza viruses. It can result in mild to severe illness and sometimes death.

    Flu Vaccine
    Recommendations 2026-2027

  • RSV Lungs icon

    Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

    is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, including runny nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and fever. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and difficulty breathing.

    RSV Vaccine
    Recommendations 2026-2027

For each of these viruses, your best protection is to be up to date on vaccines. If you do test positive or are diagnosed with the viruses, talk to your health care provider about the treatment options that are best for you.

 

Take every day preventative actions to stop the spread of germs.

Additional prevention strategies:

girl sneezing into tissue

Respiratory Illness Summary

This dashboard provides a snapshot of COVID-19, influenza and RSV activity including emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and immunizations in Michigan over the last week. Hover over or click on the dashboard for more details, or click the button below for in-depth data.

Note: This dashboard is updated once a week by Thursday.

 

Explore In-depth Data Dashboards

 

Michigan Pediatric Respiratory Mortality Surveillance

Across Michigan and the United States, deaths associated with influenza and COVID-19 among individuals under the age of 18, as well as RSV-associated deaths among children under the age of five, are reported to public health officials. Each case undergoes a thorough review and is included only when there is laboratory confirmation of infection and evidence that the illness contributed to the child’s death. This information is vital to understand the severity of these viruses, identify groups at higher risk, and guide prevention efforts to protect children and families.

2025-2026 Respiratory Season Confirmed Pediatric Deaths in Michigan

Updated 7/24/2026

  • COVID-19: 7
  • Influenza:12
  • RSV:4

Get the Latest From CDC

The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention has more information at a federal level about COVID-19. Click the link below to access the federal government's information and resources. Visit CDC.gov 

Resources