CDC Reports Early, Intensifying U.S. Flu Season In South And West

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the 2026-27 U.S. flu season is already in full swing, with an unusually early and intensifying wave hitting Southern and Western states, according to data released in its latest weekly update.^[1]

Seven states reported "high" flu activity last week, up from just two the week before, with hotspots in California, Louisiana, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.^[1] More than 3% of outpatient doctor visits nationwide were for flu-like illness, a level federal health officials say clearly marks the start of the season.^[1] The CDC estimates that influenza has already caused at least 2.6 million illnesses, 36,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths across the country so far this season.^[1]

Mid-October hospitalization rates for flu were the highest that early in the fall in more than 15 years, signaling to disease trackers that the virus was spreading faster and earlier than in a typical year.^[1] The current pattern, with intense activity clustering first in the South and West, mirrors recent years in which regional surges have preceded a broader national wave later in the winter. Public health officials say the early spike raises concern for hospitals already planning for other seasonal respiratory illnesses, including Covid and RSV, especially if flu activity continues to climb in December and January.

1. PBS News