The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Friday that the 2026‑2027 flu season is off to an unusually early and intense start. Seven states—California, Louisiana, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington—reported high flu activity last week, up from just two states the week before.
More than 3% of doctors’ office visits nationwide were for flu‑like illness, a clear signal that the season is well underway. Dr. Fred Lopez, an infectious‑diseases specialist at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, warned that the virus is “taking off” and will likely continue to spread over the next month or two. “If you haven’t been vaccinated, you should get vaccinated now,” he advised.
Hospitalization rates hit a 15‑year high
Dr. Anna Durbin of Johns Hopkins University highlighted a concerning trend: the flu hospitalization rate for mid‑October was the highest seen at that point in more than 15 years. The CDC estimates that, so far, the season has caused at least 2.6 million illnesses, 36 000 hospitalizations and 2 100 deaths.
Why the South and West are seeing the worst impact
Louisiana, historically an early‑season hotspot, is experiencing the highest activity. Dr. Lopez attributes this partly to low vaccination rates, higher poverty levels and barriers to health‑care access in the region. Similar patterns are emerging across the broader South and West, where travel and gatherings ahead of Thanksgiving could accelerate spread.
Health officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective defense. Dr. Nicole Iovine, an infectious‑disease specialist affiliated with the University of Florida, wrote that getting a flu shot before holiday gatherings is especially important for protecting families.
Vaccination guidance
Doctors recommend avoiding vaccination while experiencing significant flu symptoms, as the immune system is already occupied. However, individuals who have already had a mild infection this fall can still receive the flu shot, because the vaccine targets three major flu strains and multiple strains often circulate each season.
The current season is dominated by a mutated A H1N1 virus. According to Johns Hopkins immunology expert Andrew Pekosz, early data suggest the existing vaccine can recognize the circulating strain and should provide protection. While the CDC will not have a definitive effectiveness figure for months, Pekosz emphasized that there is “no cause for concern” at this time.
Looking ahead
Public‑health officials expect flu activity to rise further as people travel for Thanksgiving and other holiday events. They continue to urge communities—especially those with limited health‑care resources—to seek vaccination promptly.
For the latest updates on flu activity and vaccination sites, readers can visit the CDC’s flu‑season tracker or contact their local health department.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
