Flu activity is increasing earlier than usual across the United States, with the highest levels reported along the West Coast, according to the CDC.
WASHINGTON — The first flu-related deaths of the 2026-27 season have been reported in the U.S. as influenza cases begin rising ahead of the usual seasonal pattern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
“Early-season influenza activity is currently higher than typically observed at this time of year but remains within expected seasonal variation,” the CDC said. “Every influenza season is different — some begin earlier than usual, others later.”
The CDC said flu activity is increasing in many areas but remains low overall. About 5% of samples tested during the week ending Oct. 10 were positive for influenza, up from 3.9% the previous week. Influenza A made up the overwhelming majority of positive tests.
Flu-related deaths have been reported in several states:
— Washington: The Spokane Regional Health District confirmed the season’s first flu-related death Monday. The person was a county resident in their 80s who had “underlying medical conditions.” The Snohomish County Health Department separately reported that a man in his 70s with underlying health conditions died Oct. 3 after testing positive for influenza A. In Thurston County, health officials were notified Oct. 7 of another flu-related death. The person was over 65, but no additional details were released.
— Colorado: An elementary school-aged child died from the flu this month.
— California: A Butte County resident in their 90s died from flu complications, the county health department announced Tuesday.
— North Carolina: The state reported its first flu death last week, saying the patient died during the first week of October.
Indiana and Virginia have also reported flu-related deaths.
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The CDC said several measures have pointed to a rise in influenza activity since late August and early September. Those indicators include positive flu tests, outpatient visits for suspected influenza, and flu diagnoses during emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The West Coast currently has the highest levels of flu activity.
The California Department of Public Health reported elevated flu test positivity statewide, with 8.46% of tests returning positive. The rate was 9.6% in Southern California and 13.03% in the Bay Area, a level classified as “very high.”
The Oregon Health Authority said 3.5% of samples tested during the same week were positive for influenza, with most of the activity concentrated in southern Oregon.
Anyone can get the flu, but adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant people, Alaska Native and American Indian populations, and those with chronic health conditions face a greater risk of serious complications.
The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Although the vaccine does not completely prevent influenza infection, it can significantly reduce the severity of illness. Last season’s flu vaccine was about 36% effective at preventing influenza, compared with approximately 56% effectiveness the previous year, the CDC said.
It typically takes about two weeks after vaccination for protective antibodies to develop. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot by October, but vaccination later in the season can still offer protection. Flu activity generally peaks by February.
H1N1 is the predominant flu strain so far in the 2026-27 season. This year’s vaccine targets H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B.
The American Academy of Pediatrics said fewer than half of U.S. children received a flu vaccine last year, down from 55.5% during the 2022-23 flu season.
Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and may include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue. Not everyone with influenza develops a fever. People at higher risk — including pregnant women, adults 65 and older, young children and those with certain chronic conditions — should contact a doctor promptly if symptoms appear.
Emergency warning signs include difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure and confusion. In children, additional warning signs include bluish lips or face and dehydration, such as not urinating for eight hours.