Measles update: US tallies 982 cases
The CDC reports a significant rise in confirmed measles cases in the U.S., with 982 cases so far in 2026 across 26 jurisdictions and 2,281 cases in 2025, including numerous outbreaks, most of which are outbreak-associated. Vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergarteners has fallen below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, increasing population susceptibility. Measles remains highly contagious and is typically introduced through travel from regions where it is endemic, with spread amplified in under-immunized communities. Clinical implications: Clinicians should remain vigilant for measles in patients with febrile rash illness, especially in under-vaccinated populations or after international travel, and emphasize MMR vaccination to prevent transmission and protect vulnerable patients. Full Access: CDC
Pediatric flu deaths rise in US
As of Feb 20 2026, overall acute respiratory illness activity in the U.S. is moderate, with elevated influenza and RSV activity, especially among young children (highest hospitalizations in infants <1 year), while COVID-19 remains elevated in some areas but is decreasing nationally. The CDC provides weekly trends on virus spread (flu, RSV, COVID-19), severity (hospitalizations), and population impacts by age and demographics, along with vaccination and prevention resources. Clinical implications: Clinicians should anticipate continued multi-pathogen respiratory burden this season, emphasize vaccination and hygiene measures, and monitor local activity trends to guide testing, triage, and resource allocation. Full Access: CDC
RSV Hits Harder in Kids with Asthma
Children with asthma who contract respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tend to experience more severe illness compared with non-asthmatic peers, including increased respiratory symptoms and hospital care. RSV can trigger significant asthma exacerbations and prolong recovery in this vulnerable group. Clinical implications: Clinicians should prioritize RSV prevention and early aggressive asthma management during RSV season — including up-to-date asthma control, prompt recognition of worsening symptoms, and consideration of prophylactic measures where appropriate. Vigilant monitoring and tailored treatment plans may reduce morbidity in asthmatic children exposed to RSV. Full Access: Medscape
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of LAMA-LABA Inhalers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
This large real-world cohort study compared three common fixed-dose LAMA-LABA inhalers in patients with COPD and found that once-daily umeclidinium-vilanterol dry powder inhalers were associated with a significantly lower risk of first moderate or severe COPD exacerbations than twice-daily glycopyrrolate-formoterol and slightly lower risk than tiotropium-olodaterol. Safety outcomes — including major cardiovascular events, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia hospitalizations — were similar across all three treatments. Clinical implications: Use of umeclidinium-vilanterol may be preferred as initial dual bronchodilator therapy to reduce exacerbation risk in routine practice, and these real-world findings can help guide individualized inhaler selection alongside standard guideline recommendations. Full Access: JAMA