TikTok, X, and Instagram are flooded with videos about a mysterious “2025 throat virus” that’s making everyone sick. The illness causes a host of debilitating symptoms including runny nose, congestion, coughing, shortness of breath, and a painfully sore throat.
So, what is it?
Well, for starters, it’s not exactly a mystery. It’s probably one of the many common respiratory viruses that circulate this time of year. In New Jersey, emergency department visits resulting in admission have recently increased for COVID-19, RSV and influenza, according to the latest respiratory illness surveillance report.
“It’s actually following a very typical pattern,” said Dr. Suraj Saggar, chief of infectious disease at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck.
Saggar may not be on TikTok, but he has been practicing medicine for more than 20 years and observed many respiratory viruses seasons.
“It’s not surprising when you have cold weather, increased air travel and then increased family gatherings, starting with Thanksgiving and usually going towards the New Year, when you have Christmas and all the other holidays. That’s where you see an uptick and that’s what we’re seeing now,” said Saggar.
Each year, common respiratory viruses such as COVID, influenza and RSV cause hospitalizations and deaths in New Jersey.
This year, there’s also a new strain of influenza A(H3N2) called Subclade K. The strain has already been circulating globally.
Data from South America — which predicts the effectiveness of the 2025–26 Northern Hemisphere flu vaccine — suggests this season’s vaccine may be less effective against influenza A-related infections.
However, people who got a flu shot were still less likely to get severely ill than those who didn’t. The 2025 Southern Hemisphere seasonal influenza vaccine reduced influenza-associated hospitalizations by 49.7%, according to the CDC.
“I think people have to understand that influenza is much more severe than people give it credit for,” said Saggar, noting the illness kills thousands of people in the U.S. each year.
According to state data, test positivity increased in November for influenza, RSV, and human metapneumovirus, a type of respiratory infection that typically circulates from winter through spring.
Human metapneumovirus, known as hMPV, is closely related to RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Test positivity also remains elevated in New Jersey for rhinovirus and enterovirus, which are part of the same virus group, according to the CDC.
RSV, COVID-19, flu and a cold can have very similar signs and symptoms, as seen in this graphic from the New Jersey Department of Health.New Jersey Department of Health
Rhinovirus infections are the most frequent cause of the common cold. While most infections cause mild symptoms, it can cause serious illness in those with a weakened immune system. There are no vaccines to prevent rhinovirus infection.
And as if that wasn’t bad enough, there are a multitude of other, perhaps lesser known, respiratory viruses going around.
As of Dec. 5, the CDC is reporting elevated levels of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in some areas of the United States as indicated by emergency department visits and positive tests. M. pneumoniae infections are generally mild but can sometimes be severe, causing what’s known as “walking pneumonia,” according to the CDC.
Additionally, preliminary case reports for pertussis, known as whooping cough, remain elevated in 2025 compared to immediately before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of these viruses have similar symptoms and can be hard to differentiate without molecular diagnostic testing, which may not be available at every doctor’s office.
However, the good news is that most people who catch these common viruses can recover without needing prescription medication, said Saggar.
“A lot of times the goal is just supportive care and rest,” he said. “Drink some hot soup and just take it easy.”
But individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions should seek help if their condition worsens.
“A big part of it is understanding your own risk factors and if you’re in any doubt, speak to your health care provider. Always err on the side of caution,” said Saggar.
