A Second Flu Wave?

February 18, 2026

Pennsylvania flu cases ticked up last week but remain low overall, matching similar national trends.

The increase in cases does not mean we will see a second wave, but it shows that the virus will remain a presence as we head toward the end of winter, public health officials say.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Pennsylvania flu:  The flu remains at low levels with 5,464 flu cases reported last week, up from 4,292 cases the week before.
  • That's down from a high 11,501 weekly cases earlier in the season.
  • Emergency department visits for respiratory symptoms ticked up slightly from 11.2 percent to 11.7 percent last week.
  • The number of flu B cases (2,403) also is increasing, which can be a late-season indicator.
• RSV:  RSV activity is increasing but remains low statewide. There have been 2,697 adult and 1,795 pediatric admissions during the winter respiratory virus season.
• COVID-19:   COVID-19 is decreasing slightly and remains at moderate levels statewide.
  • Through February 7, there were 561 new adult hospital admissions and 44 new pediatric admissions.
  • There have been 8,579 adult and 655 pediatric admissions season-to-date.
• Health tips:  With the flu still in circulation, vaccination remains a strong public health tool. It’s also important to stay home when sick and improve air flow to keep others healthy around you.
• National picture:  About 18 percent of U.S. clinical lab tests were positive for the flu this week, and 4.6 percent of visits to a health care provider were for a respiratory illness, per CDC surveillance.
  • About 92 percent of the tested flu samples this season stemmed from the subclade K variant.

HAP continues to monitor the latest public health trends and provide updates to members. Additional information is available via the state’s respiratory virus dashboard.