The CDC’s own respiratory illness data channel, updated September 4, 2026, shows rhinovirus and enterovirus activity “increasing nationally” just weeks after classrooms reopened, alongside rising COVID-19 activity in several regions. Overall acute respiratory illness nationwide is still rated “very low” on the CDC’s five-level scale, but the agency’s own tracking already shows the seasonal climb underway.
What the Data Actually Shows
The CDC’s Respiratory Virus Activity Levels dashboard tracks the share of emergency department visits tied to COVID-19, flu, and RSV, plus separate tracking for common circulating viruses like rhinovirus. As of the most recent update, the agency describes rhinovirus and enterovirus activity as increasing nationally, and notes these trends are “expected for this time of year,” meaning the current uptick lines up with the typical pattern of illness spreading once kids are back in shared classrooms and lunchrooms.
Flu and RSV, by contrast, remain at low or very low levels for now, which is normal for early September. The CDC’s regular weekly flu surveillance reporting through FluView typically ramps back up in October as flu season itself begins in earnest.
Why This Season Is Worth Watching
Context from last season adds weight to the early-season data. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ own 2026-27 flu guidance reports that the 2025-2026 flu season was severe, with 190 pediatric flu deaths recorded through May 2026. The AAP also notes that historically about 85% of children who died of flu were unvaccinated, and that vaccination coverage among children heading into this season sat at just 49.4% as of mid-May.
Key Points:
- Rhinovirus/enterovirus activity is rising nationally, which the CDC calls typical for early September as school terms begin.
- Overall respiratory illness activity remains “very low” nationally as of the CDC’s early-September update, well below flu-season peaks.
- Flu and RSV are both still low or very low; the CDC’s dedicated flu-season tracking resumes in October.
- Last season’s flu toll (190 pediatric deaths) and low vaccination coverage give this year’s early numbers added significance for parents.
- The AAP recommends flu vaccination for all children 6 months and older, ideally completed by the end of October, before flu activity typically increases.
What It Means for Parents Right Now
For families deciding whether a runny nose or cough means a day home from school, the current data points to ordinary seasonal cold activity rather than an early flu surge. Rhinovirus symptoms (congestion, sore throat, mild cough) are the most likely culprit in the next few weeks, based on what the CDC is currently tracking. The bigger flu picture won’t be clear until federal surveillance ramps up in October, but with last season’s severity and low vaccination rates as backdrop, health officials are encouraging vaccination now rather than waiting for case counts to climb.