RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, usually peaks in December and January while infecting the nose, throat and lungs, usually causing mild, cold-like symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Those symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold, COVID-19 or influenza.

During the COVID pandemic, RSV showed a slightly odd pattern: like flu, it basically disappeared in the 2020–2021 season, likely because of masking and social distancing. But in 2022–2023 it came roaring back and had a large, early peak during the fall. Last year saw a significant surge as well, but it was closer to the timing of a typical season.

Hospital visits in Illinois due to flu are "quite high," with COVID and RSV also circulating. But what are the symptoms of each?

The good news is that Covid and RSV cases are trending down. However, flu numbers are soaring. WRAL News checked in with Duke Health, UNC and WakeMed. On Monday alone, Duke Health