Geneva: Influenza continues to account for a significant share of respiratory virus activity worldwide, according to the latest global surveillance update from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The latest assessment covering the end of September indicates that global influenza positivity remained around 10 percent, while SARS-CoV-2 activity was comparatively low and stable across the reporting network. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity also remained relatively low at the global level.

The data are based on laboratory surveillance systems that track respiratory viruses across participating countries and regions.

Influenza remains a major seasonal concern

Influenza viruses continue to circulate in different parts of the world, although activity varies considerably between countries and regions.

Seasonal influenza patterns are influenced by geography, climate, population immunity and the timing of local transmission seasons.

The WHO surveillance system monitors changes in influenza activity to help countries identify unusual increases and prepare healthcare systems for potential seasonal pressure.

COVID-19 activity remains comparatively stable

The latest global surveillance data indicate that SARS-CoV-2 positivity remains at relatively low levels compared with influenza.

However, the continued circulation of the virus means that monitoring remains important, particularly for vulnerable populations and healthcare systems.

WHO surveillance focuses on identifying changes in transmission patterns and the emergence of viruses or variants that may require additional public-health attention.

RSV activity remains low globally

Respiratory syncytial virus is another important cause of respiratory illness, particularly among young children and older adults.

The latest global picture shows relatively limited RSV activity overall, although regional differences remain possible.

Because respiratory virus seasons do not occur simultaneously everywhere, global averages can sometimes conceal substantial differences between individual countries.

Surveillance remains important

The WHO’s global respiratory-virus surveillance programme combines laboratory testing and epidemiological information from participating countries.

Monitoring the proportion of respiratory samples testing positive for different viruses allows health authorities to identify changes in circulation and assess potential pressure on healthcare systems.

Influenza surveillance is particularly important ahead of and during seasonal peaks because the virus can spread rapidly through communities.

Regional differences matter

The latest global figures should not be interpreted as representing identical conditions in every country.

Respiratory virus activity can rise rapidly in specific regions even when global averages remain stable. Local healthcare authorities therefore rely on national and regional surveillance systems alongside WHO data.

Differences in vaccination coverage, population immunity, climate and healthcare access can also influence the severity and spread of respiratory infections.

Preparing for the coming respiratory season

As countries move through different seasonal periods, health authorities are continuing to monitor influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV.

Vaccination, appropriate infection-control measures and timely medical care remain important tools for protecting people at higher risk of severe respiratory disease.

The latest WHO data provide a global snapshot rather than a prediction of future transmission. Continued surveillance will be important for identifying whether current influenza activity remains stable or begins to increase in particular regions.