Your flu shot can’t wait - Vox
Flu season is arriving earlier than usual across the United States, with rising infection rates reported in all 50 states. Health experts emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated by the end of October to mitigate the risk of severe illness.
Why it matters
Early flu activity increases the burden on healthcare systems and poses a significant risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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Flu season is starting earlier than usual this year, which I know from reviewing federal data. But I also know it because I woke up with body aches and chills last night, mere days before I’d planned to get my flu vaccination (!).
Already, some parts of the country are seeing levels of flu activity typically associated with late fall or early winter. In Washington state, for instance, doctors are reporting seeing as much flu now as they usually would around Christmas.
Flu activity overall is still low, to be clear. But as of October 7, infections were rising in all 50 states. And flu is spreading before many people — like, say, me — have received their annual vaccine.
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