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Flu Activity Is Higher Than Usual for Early October
Week 39, ending October 3, is still inside a normal season's range. The report was published October 9.
Primary sources
CDC · agency · published 2026-10-09
CDC · agency · published 2026-09-01
CDC · agency · published 2026-06-26
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Script
The CDC flu report for the week ending October 3 says early activity is higher than typical for this time of year, and still within a normal season's range. Clinical labs found influenza in 1,435 of 39,317 specimens, or 3.6 percent. Activity is highest on the West Coast, in HHS regions 9 and 10. Positivity ranged from 1.7 percent in Region 2 to 9.5 percent in Region 9. Of 127 influenza A viruses subtyped at public health labs, 125, or 98.4 percent, were A(H1N1)pdm09. Two, or 1.6 percent, were A(H3N2). CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months and older, with rare exception, ideally by the end of October. Protection from antibodies takes about two weeks. Antiviral drugs work best within one to two days after symptoms begin. They do not replace the vaccine.
Claims
For the week ending October 3, 2026, CDC says early-season influenza activity is higher than typically observed at this time of year but remains within expected seasonal variation. The highest activity is on the West Coast, HHS regions 9 and 10.
Clinical laboratories tested 39,317 specimens and found 1,435 positive for influenza, 3.6 percent. Regional positivity ranged from 1.7 percent in Region 2 to 9.5 percent in Region 9.
Of 127 influenza A viruses subtyped at public health laboratories that week, 125 (98.4 percent) were A(H1N1)pdm09 and 2 (1.6 percent) were A(H3N2).
Everyone 6 months and older, with rare exception, should get a flu vaccine every season. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. Antibodies develop about two weeks after vaccination.
Flu antiviral drugs work best when started within 1 to 2 days after symptoms begin. They are not a substitute for the flu vaccine.