Flu activity is increasing in parts of the United States earlier in the fall, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still describes overall national activity as low. Its report for the week ending October 17, published October 23, shows that influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was the most frequently identified influenza virus in public health laboratories.
CDC surveillance recorded 4,811 patients admitted to hospitals with influenza during that reporting week. The agency also reported that the flu hospitalization rate for this point in October was the highest observed for that week since the 2010–11 season in its participating surveillance network. Figures are preliminary and can change as additional reports arrive.
Early seasonal activity does not by itself prove the coming season will be unusually severe, nor does it establish that vaccines are ineffective. People can consult their healthcare providers about vaccination and prevention, particularly if they are at higher risk of complications.
What it means: With Halloween and holiday gatherings ahead, the practical message is preparation rather than alarm. Check the latest CDC surveillance figures and discuss seasonal vaccination with a clinician if you have questions.
Source: CDC FluView, week 41, October 2026.
