Americans Urged to Get Vaccinated Amid Early Flu Season Rise

Health officials are urging Americans to get vaccinated against the flu as seasonal influenza activity is showing an early increase. Hospitalizations, positive test results, and emergency department visits have been rising in recent weeks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 4,811 laboratory-confirmed flu hospital admissions nationwide during the week ending October 17. The CDC indicated this was the highest hospitalization rate for this time of year since the 2010-11 season.

A CDC statement underscored that, “Early-season influenza activity is currently higher than typically observed at this time of year.” Newsweek reached out to the CDC by email on Saturday for a comment.

Separate data from Walgreens suggests that flu season may be arriving earlier than normal. According to the pharmacy chain, flu activity is tracking approximately four weeks ahead of recent seasons, based on testing, prescription, and retail sales data.

“It’s an early start to the season. The primary value of the vaccine is in prevention of severe disease including hospitalization. It’s too early to know the trajectory of the season, but people should get vaccinated ASAP,” said Dr. Amesh A. Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, to Newsweek.

Which Flu Virus Is Dominant?

This season, nearly all flu viruses identified have been H1N1. This virus has undergone genetic changes over time, but the CDC confirms that it remains a descendant of the H1N1 virus responsible for the 2009 swine flu pandemic.

CDC laboratory surveillance showed that of 241 influenza A samples analyzed during the week ending October 17, 239 were identified as H1N1. This indicates that the virus is overwhelmingly dominant in circulation currently.

The CDC is not detecting the H3N2 subclade K, commonly referred to as the “super flu,” which surfaced last year. Researchers are continuing to study how the circulating viruses are evolving and whether these changes could have implications later in the season. It’s too early to determine whether this flu season will prove more severe than recent years.

Flu Activity Across the U.S.

The latest CDC map displays varying levels of influenza activity across states for the week ending October 17. Health officials are closely monitoring regions where transmission is accelerating as colder weather approaches.

The map assesses levels of flu-like illness rather than confirmed flu cases. This means it identifies individuals seeking medical care for symptoms consistent with influenza, such as fever, cough, and sore throat.

States like Louisiana and Hawaii reported “moderate” levels of flu-like illness during this time. In contrast, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Oregon, and Washington only reached a “low” activity level, while other states maintain a minimal level.

Why This Flu Season Is Starting Early

Despite the lack of high concentrations of cases, the unusually high number of hospitalizations concerns health experts. They note that flu seasons can vary significantly from year to year. Some seasons might begin slowly and pick up later in winter, while others start earlier and spread quickly.

The agency emphasized it’s still undetermined how severe the season might become. However, the upward trend in hospitalizations and other indicators has caught attention, as activity exceeds historical expectations for this time of season.

Should You Get a Flu Shot Now?

The CDC continues to recommend annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged six months and older. Flu vaccines are widely available, with September and October being preferred months for vaccination before activity peaks in winter.

Health officials say it’s too early to know whether genetic changes in current H1N1 viruses will impact vaccine effectiveness. Surveillance is ongoing and experts are still evaluating which viruses may dominate as the season progresses.

For now, federal health officials stress vaccination remains the best tool for reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from influenza.

Monitoring the Flu Season’s Progress

Flu activity typically increases through late fall, reaching its seasonal peak during winter. The following weeks will be crucial in determining whether the current rise represents the beginning of an unusually early flu season or a temporary spike in activity.

Health officials will observe hospitalization trends, regional spread, and the continued dominance of H1N1 as additional surveillance data becomes available.

Patients experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, muscle aches, or fatigue are advised to seek medical treatment.