Respiratory virus activity remained relatively low in Santa Barbara County as of mid-December 2025, even as seasonal influenza activity across California saw an increase.
Seasonal influenza activity has been increasing not just in the state but also across the country. However, minimal influenza activity was observed in Disease Week 50 across Santa Barbara County, according to the county’s Respiratory Viruses Report as of December 13, 2025.
The 11 sentinel provider sites that reported during the time period found influenza-like illness (ILI) in three of the 5,645 total patients in the county, which was lower than the activity level seen this time in 2024, the report noted.
The 2025-2026 influenza surveillance season began on September 28, 2025 (disease week 40). The report is released every two weeks during the influenza season, until there is a need for a more frequent update.
Seasonal Influenza Activity
No clusters of influenza were reported in congregate settings and no influenza-associated deaths were documented this season, according to the report.
According to data submitted by emergency departments at the county hospitals, 2,442 patients were treated over disease weeks 49 and 50, of which 176 were diagnosed with ILI (7.2%) and only 0.6% patients were admitted.
In comparison, last season saw higher activity, with emergency departments reporting 9.7% of ILI activity, according to the report.
During disease week 50, cold or flu was the primary impression or diagnosis by 911 paramedics for roughly 2% of patients they transported that week. This figure was similar to the percentage reported this time last season.
While flu viruses are typically active in the U.S. from October to March, seasonal influenza activity and hospital admission rates have been rising across California, according to data from the California Department of Public Health’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard.
While flu viruses are typically active in the U.S. from October to March, seasonal influenza activity and hospital admission rates have been on the rise across California, according to a latest study by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
A new H3N2 influenza A strain (subclade K) has contributed to an earlier and more active flu season in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, according to the CDPH.
Nationwide, more than 32% of patients tested positive for influenza during disease week 52, as of December 27, 2025, according to data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One influenza-associated pediatric death occurred in the 2025-2026 season during disease week 52, bringing the season’s total to nine influenza-related pediatric deaths, according to CDC.
Officials recommend influenza vaccination for protection, particularly against severe diseases, along with testing, and timely treatment.
COVID-19 activity was very low across California, with minimal test positivity, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations, CDPH said.
RSV Surveillance
No Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity was recorded in Santa Barbara this season, according to the county’s respiratory viruses report.
The county did not report any RSV outbreaks or RSV-associated deaths this season.
In contrast, RSV activity has been surging across California, CDPH noted. Pediatric hospitalization has reached moderate levels.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, respiratory tract, and lungs, and causes mild, cold-like symptoms, according to CDC.
While RSV does not cause severe illness in healthy adults and children, infants younger than six months of age and adults who have certain risk factors are at high risk for severe RSV infection.
RSV vaccines are recommended for all adults aged 75 and older and adults aged between 50 and 74. There are immunizations for infants to protect them from severe RSV.
Also Read
- General Rain Advisory For Countywide Beaches
- Shifting Norms, Shaping Futures: Youth Media Campaign Aims to Reduce Underage Drinking
- Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Promotes Heart Health This Valentine’s Day
- County Health Advises Vaccination As Measles Cases Rise
- County’s Health & Sheriff Departments Warn Residents To Avoid Products Containing Kratom And 7-Oh12
I wonder how Santa Barbara’s vaccination rate compares with other places in the state, for RSV and influenza.
SB and CA (35th in vacc rate in the country = bottom third!) in general typically have lower than average vaccination rates. It used to be a wealthy, liberal thing. Private schools, parents that think they know better, etc. Since the Fauci COVID fiasco it’s become more of a bipartisan thing to distrust government vaccination recommendations.
Basic, MEXICO has a higher vaccination rate than most red states. You must be liberal because you had your child vaccinated. But perhaps the child’s mother has some good common sense about pediatric health care.
It’s a great time not to fly. Planes (and cruise ships) are heavy on sickos.
Yeah, too many anti-vax idiots and ill people who refuse to mask up.
No, it’s just a question of too many people – vaccinated or not, masked or not – packed into small spaces over time. Your average mask that you see Joe or Karen wearing isn’t getting it done anyways. If you have comorbidities then you maybe should keep getting vacc’d and also make sure you wear those COVID era N95’s the correct way for the entire duration of your flight or cruise, or movie, or dinner at a restaurant, or…..
Or just don’t be scared of everything. Hard for the MAGA crowd.