What's going around this spring? Common viruses and where to get tested

Spring 2026 still has plenty of viruses in circulation. The dominant culprit this time of year is the rhinovirus family — the cause of most common colds — but late-season influenza, COVID-19, parainfluenza, human metapneumovirus, and norovirus all contribute to the seasonal mix. Knowing what's going around helps you decide whether to test, when to rest, and when to see a clinician.^1,4

What's circulating this spring?

Rhinoviruses (the common cold)

Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of colds in the United States and peak in spring and again in late summer.¹ Expect runny nose, sore throat, mild cough, and a low-grade fever or no fever at all. Most colds resolve in seven to ten days.

Influenza (late season)

Flu cases drop sharply in spring but don't disappear. The CDC continues to track influenza A and B activity through May. If you have sudden onset of fever, body aches, chills, and dry cough, get tested — antivirals work best within 48 hours of symptom onset.²

COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 circulates year-round. Spring waves are typically smaller than winter waves but still drive testable infections. Symptoms overlap with cold and flu, so testing is the only reliable way to confirm.^2,5

Parainfluenza and human metapneumovirus

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 peaks in spring and early summer.¹ Human metapneumovirus season runs from winter through spring.¹ Both can cause cold-like symptoms in adults and more serious lower-airway illness (croup, bronchiolitis) in young children.

RSV (winding down)

RSV season typically tapers off in mid-May, but cases continue in some regions. Adults with mild symptoms often don't know they have RSV, while infants and older adults can develop bronchiolitis or pneumonia.⁶

Norovirus

Norovirus stays active into early spring. It causes sudden-onset vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes low fever. Most cases resolve in one to three days. Hand hygiene with soap and water (not just sanitizer) is the best prevention.⁶

How do I tell a virus from spring allergies?

Spring allergies and viral colds can look similar at first glance, but a few clues separate them:^3,4

• Fever. Allergies don't cause fever. A fever means infection.
• Itch. Itchy eyes, nose, ears, or throat strongly suggest allergies.
• Body aches. Aches and chills point to a virus, especially the flu.
• Duration. Viral symptoms resolve in one to two weeks. Allergy symptoms last as long as pollen counts stay high.
• Pattern. Allergies recur every spring at predictable times. New symptoms in someone without allergy history are more likely to be infection.

Where can I get tested this spring?

Most urgent care clinics offer rapid in-clinic testing for:

• Influenza A and B (results in 15 minutes)
• COVID-19 (rapid antigen, often with confirmatory PCR available)
• Strep throat (rapid test plus throat culture)
• RSV (offered at many but not all locations)
• Mononucleosis (offered at some locations)

Pharmacies, retail clinics, and at-home tests are good options for COVID-19 and flu. Norovirus testing isn't routinely done because the diagnosis is clinical and treatment is the same — rest and rehydration — regardless of confirmation.

When should you see a doctor?

See a clinician promptly if you have:^2,5

• Fever above 102°F (38.9°C) for more than three days
• Symptoms lasting more than ten days or worsening after initial improvement
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or wheezing
• Severe sore throat with difficulty swallowing
• Persistent ear pain
• Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea (dark urine, dizziness, weakness)
• You're pregnant, immunocompromised, or have heart, lung, or kidney disease

Next steps

If you're not sure what you have, urgent care is built for this kind of question. You can find and book same-day urgent care on Solv in under a minute, and most clinics post which tests they offer so you can pick one that fits. For severe symptoms — trouble breathing, chest pain, signs of dehydration — head to the ER.