Flu season is arriving months early. Here's where it's spreading - USA Today
The CDC reports that flu season has arrived earlier than usual in the United States, with increased activity detected in several states. Wastewater data and laboratory tests indicate a rise in Influenza A cases starting as early as late August.
Why it matters
Early flu activity can impact public health preparedness, vaccination schedules, and hospital capacity during the upcoming holiday season.
Hear this story Fall may have just officially begun, but the titular illness of " flu and cold season " seems to have gotten a jump start on previous years.
The flu has begun hitting parts of the U.S. earlier this year compared to the last five years, first picking up in late August to early September, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While flu season typically starts in earnest around November, data used to track respiratory illnesses – like laboratory tests, hospitalizations and wastewater data – detected activity while summer temps were still scorching.
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