Tennessee Braces for Respiratory Virus Surge as Flu, RSV Spike

The Tennessee Department of Health reports Tennessee ranks among the top states for high respiratory virus numbers, with elevated seasonal influenza activity and a COVID-19 JN.1 variant resurgence boosting urgent care visits and flu-related hospitalizations. RSV cases are declining but still pose risks for severe illness, particularly among infants under 4 and older adults. Officials recommend co-administering vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and RSV to eligible patients, available through providers and local health departments.

In Middle Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center confirms rising RSV and influenza A cases, alongside ongoing COVID infections, prompting calls for masking in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. Nashville's Metro Public Health Department echoes the urgency, noting growing flu, COVID-19 and RSV burdens and recommending RSV vaccines for those 75 and older, high-risk adults over 50, and pregnant women at 32-36 weeks. Brentwood-area clinics report similar trends in pediatric cases, aligning with statewide patterns.

Statewide, the Tennessee Department of Health advises staying home if symptomatic—fever, cough, runny nose or fatigue—and returning to activities only after 24 fever-free hours without medication. Immunizations reduce severe illness risks and community spread, with CDC data showing national respiratory activity low as of March 27, 2026, but RSV lingering into spring and flu declining. Peak combined hospitalizations for these viruses hit during the week ending January 3, 2026, near last season's levels.

Health leaders stress prevention for Tennesseans, especially in schools and public spaces, to protect vulnerable populations amid this respiratory season. Local access points like health departments ensure broad vaccine availability, aiming to minimize disruptions from work absences and school closures.