Early Flu Activity Prompts Vaccine Question
U.S. flu season appears to be starting earlier than usual, with about 3.4% of respiratory samples testing positive for flu in late September, roughly seven times the rate seen during the same week in 2025. The increase is concentrated in Western states, though vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone aged 6 months and older. Live Science is asking readers whether they have received or plan to receive a flu shot.
U.S. influenza usually begins in late October or early November and crests between December and February. This year, however, surveillance indicates an earlier start. For the week ending Sept. 26, roughly 3.4% of respiratory specimens tested positive for influenza—about seven times the share recorded during the corresponding week in 2025. Cases are chiefly appearing in California, Washington, and Arizona.
Vaccination remains the primary defense against severe seasonal flu, including hospitalization and death. Shots are advised for almost everyone aged 6 months and older, ideally in September or October. Older adults may choose high-dose, adjuvant-containing, or newly approved mRNA formulations. Live Science is polling readers on whether they have been vaccinated or intend to be.
Count words. First para: U.S.(1) influenza(2) usually(3) begins(4) in(5) late(6) October(7) or(8) early(9) November(10) and(11) crests(12) between(13) December(14) and(15) February(16). This(17) year,(18) however,(19) surveillance(20) indicates(21) an(22) earlier(23) start.(24) For(25) the(26) week(27) ending(28) Sept.(29) 26,(30) roughly(31) 3.4%(32) of(33) respiratory(34) specimens(35) tested(36) positive(37) for(38) influenza—about(39) seven(40) times(41) the(42) share(43) recorded(44) during(45) the(46) corresponding(47) week(48) in(49) 2025.(50) Cases(51) are(52) chiefly(53) appearing(54) in(55) California,(56) Washington,(57) and(58) Arizona.(59)
Second: Vaccination(1) remains(2) the(3) prima
An earlier flu season may add pressure to hospitals and clinics, particularly in Western states, if cases continue rising. Young children and older adults, groups included in vaccination recommendations, could face greater risks from severe illness. Broader vaccine uptake could ease strain on health systems and protect vulnerable people, though access and personal choices may affect how many get shots. Public discussion and polling may raise awareness, but actual outcomes will likely depend on local transmission and vaccination rates. Count: An1 earlier2 flu3 season4 may5 add6 pressure7 to8 hospitals9 and10 clinics,11 particularly12 in13 Western14 states,15 if16 cases17 continue18 rising.19 Young20 children21 and22 older23 adults,24 groups25 included26 in27 vaccination28 recommendations,29 could30 face31 greater32 risks33 from34 severe35 illness.36 Broader37 vaccine38 uptake39 could40 ease41 strain42 on43 health44 systems45 and46 protect47 vulnerable48 people,49 though50 access51 and5