Respiratory viruses circulating in 2024
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Key Respiratory Viruses Circulating in 2024
Several respiratory viruses have been actively circulating in 2024, with notable patterns and shifts in prevalence across different regions and age groups. The most prominent viruses include influenza (especially A(H1N1)pdm09), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2 (with new variants), rhinovirus/enterovirus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and parainfluenza virus Mostafa2024Martínez-Marrero2025Du2025+4 MORE.
Influenza Virus Trends and Genetic Diversity
Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 has emerged as the dominant influenza strain in several regions during the 2023–2024 season, replacing A/H3N2, which was more prevalent in the previous season Cunsolo2024Korsun2025. Genetic analysis shows that A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses belong to multiple subclades, indicating ongoing viral evolution . Influenza B (Victoria lineage) and A(H3N2) have also been detected but at lower rates Cunsolo2024Korsun2025. The seasonality of influenza has shifted, with delayed and higher peaks observed in some areas, likely influenced by changes in public health measures post-pandemic Du2025Palmas2024Graziani2024.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Patterns
RSV continues to be a leading cause of respiratory infections, especially in infants and young children. In 2024, RSV hospitalizations and test positivity rates have increased, particularly among children under five, with RSV-A being slightly more associated with hospital admissions than RSV-B Mostafa2024Martínez-Marrero2025Gratzl2024+1 MORE. Genotypic studies show that multiple RSV-A lineages (A.D.1, A.D.3, A.D.5.1, A.D.5.2) are circulating globally, while RSV-B is mainly restricted to the B.D.E.1 lineage . The resurgence of RSV after the pandemic highlights the need for targeted preventive programs Leija-Martínez2024Palmas2024.
SARS-CoV-2: New Variants and Endemic Patterns
SARS-CoV-2 remains a significant respiratory pathogen in 2024, with the JN.1 variant becoming predominant in some regions by late 2023 Mostafa2024Du2025Gratzl2024. COVID-19 hospitalizations have generally declined, but periodic resurgences and staggered epidemic waves with influenza have been observed, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 may be transitioning to a seasonal pattern similar to influenza Mostafa2024Du2025Gratzl2024. Ongoing genomic surveillance is crucial to track the impact of emerging variants .
Rhinovirus, Enterovirus, and Other Respiratory Viruses
Rhinovirus and enterovirus continue to circulate at high rates, particularly affecting children and contributing to hospital admissions Mostafa2024Du2025Gratzl2024+1 MORE. While rhinovirus-associated hospitalizations have declined in some areas, their overall presence remains significant. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and parainfluenza virus have shown increased positivity rates and hospitalizations, especially in children, indicating a potential seasonal peak Gratzl2024Leija-Martínez2024.
Co-Infections and Age-Related Susceptibility
Co-infections with multiple respiratory viruses are common, with up to 18.8% of cases involving more than two pathogens in some regions Du2025Korsun2025. Children and older adults are particularly susceptible to severe outcomes from these infections. For example, RSV and influenza are more common in children, while SARS-CoV-2 and influenza are more prevalent in older adults Mostafa2024Du2025Gratzl2024+1 MORE.
Conclusion
In 2024, the respiratory virus landscape is marked by the co-circulation of influenza (mainly A(H1N1)pdm09), RSV (multiple lineages), SARS-CoV-2 (notably the JN.1 variant), rhinovirus/enterovirus, HMPV, and parainfluenza virus. Patterns of seasonality and prevalence have shifted post-pandemic, with increased co-infections and changing age-related risks. Continuous surveillance, robust diagnostics, and targeted prevention strategies remain essential to manage the evolving burden of respiratory viral infections Mostafa2024Martínez-Marrero2025Du2025+6 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Genotypic Characterization of Human Respiratory Syncytial Viruses Detected in Mexico Between 2021 and 2024
HRSV-A viruses of several A.D lineages circulate globally, while HRSV-B viruses are restricted to the B.D.E.1 lineage in Mexico between 2021 and 2024.
Respiratory viruses and SARS-CoV-2 virus circulation in the provinces of Lucca and Massa Carrara during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 flu seasons
Effective virological diagnostics and constant monitoring of circulating viruses are crucial for correct therapy and viral circulation control in different influenza seasons.
Etiological Spectrum of Acute Respiratory Infections in Bulgaria During the 2023–2024 Season and Genetic Diversity of Circulating Influenza Viruses
Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 is the most prevalent respiratory virus in Bulgaria, with a genetic diversity of circulating influenza viruses.
Monitoring Report: Respiratory Viruses - October 2024 Data
The overall rate of respiratory virus-associated hospitalizations decreased in October 2024, but parainfluenza and RSV hospitalizations increased, highlighting the need for close surveillance.
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