The flu season in the United States started early

According to the 41st‑week report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on October 23, 5.7% of the samples examined in laboratories tested positive for influenza. The previous week the rate was recorded at 5.1%.

While influenza‑related hospital admissions continued to rise, the CDC emphasized that influenza activity nationwide remains at a low level. The number of major cities experiencing moderate influenza activity rose from 8 to 25 in one week.

When hospital admission rates were examined by age group, the highest rate was observed among adults aged 65 and older.

The CDC announced that no influenza‑related child deaths have been reported this season.

The H1N1 virus is emerging.

According to CDC data, 99.2% of the influenza A viruses subtyped in the 41st week were identified as H1N1. It was reported that it is still too early to determine whether genetic changes in the viruses will affect vaccine effectiveness.

All of the flu vaccines to be used in the United States during the 2026-2027 season will be trivalent. Manufacturers anticipate supplying up to 135 million doses in the country for this season.

CDC calls for vaccination and early treatment.

CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive an annual flu shot. It can take about two weeks for the vaccine to provide protection.

When symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches appear, early medical evaluation is especially important for older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and young children. Prescription antiviral drugs can reduce the duration and severity of the illness when started shortly after symptoms begin.