Flu cases rise on west coast earlier than usual as US health experts encourage vaccine
Summary
Flu cases are rising earlier than usual on the US west coast, with many linked to a mutated H1N1 virus. Health experts recommend getting the flu vaccine soon to help prevent serious illness and hospital visits.Key Facts
- Flu usually peaks between December and February but is rising early this year on the west coast.
- A new mutation of the H1N1 flu virus, linked to the 2009 swine flu, is causing more cases.
- Public health labs reported that 242 of 300 flu viruses detected so far are this mutated H1N1 strain.
- California’s flu test positivity rate rose to 9.65% by early October, compared to just over 1% in previous years.
- Utah reported 242 cases of influenza A by October 11, a big increase from 10 cases last year.
- Parts of central Oregon are also seeing a rise in flu cases.
- The FDA approved the 2026-27 flu vaccine in August, targeting H1N1, H3N2, and an influenza B virus.
- Health experts say the vaccine matches well with two of the three flu strains and advise early vaccination.
- Promotion of flu shots has decreased under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has changed some childhood vaccine policies.
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