Flu cases rise on west coast earlier than usual as US health experts encourage vaccine
Flu cases are rising earlier than usual on the US West Coast, driven by a mutation of the H1N1 influenza A strain. Health experts are urging the public to get vaccinated, noting that current vaccines are well-matched to circulating strains.
Why it matters
Early seasonal surges in influenza can strain healthcare resources and increase the risk of severe illness, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A caregiver prepares to administer a flu vaccine. A caregiver prepares to administer a flu vaccine. US news Flu cases rise on west coast earlier than usual as US health experts encourage vaccine California flu test rate at 9.65%, higher than normal 1% rate for early October, amid mutation of H1N1 influenza A strain
Prefer the Guardian on Google Flu cases on the west coast are on the rise months earlier than normal, prompting US health experts to stress the importance of the annual vaccine.
Flu activity typically ramps up in December, hitting its peak in February. But this season has kicked into action earlier this year, with higher positive cases than normal recorded.
Several experts have credited the early seasonal start to a new mutation of the influenza A strain H1N1, which was behind the 2009 swine flu pandemic.
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