Early Flu Season 2026 and the Essential Facts

4 min read

Last updated November 15, 2026

Flu season 2026 started early. In the week ending November 7, 11.3% of US flu tests came back positive, federal data show. Most cases are an H1N1 strain.

Key Points

Flu activity in the US is higher than usual for early November, federal health officials say.
Seven states report high or very high activity, mostly in the South and West.
Canada is also seeing an early start, with about 10.8% of flu tests positive.

How Early Is Flu Season 2026?

Earlier than most years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks flu in a weekly flu report. It says flu is “higher than typically observed at this time of year.”

Still, the agency rates severity as low so far. An early start does not always mean a worse season.

Good to know. A flu shot takes about two weeks to start working. Getting it before holiday gatherings gives you the best chance of protection.

Where Flu Is Spreading Most

Seven states show high or very high activity. They are California, Louisiana, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.

That list comes from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), citing federal data.

Most of the rest of the country shows minimal or low activity for now. That can change quickly in the weeks around Thanksgiving travel.

The Numbers So Far

Fact	Figure	Source
US flu tests positive	11.3%, week ending November 7	Federal flu report
Doctor visits for flu-like illness	3.2%, above the 2.9% baseline	Federal flu report
Flu hospital stays that week	9,584	Federal flu report
Season illnesses so far	At least 2.6 million	Federal flu report
Child deaths this season	5	Federal flu report

98.9%Share of typed flu A samples that were H1N1 in early November, according to the federal flu report.

Which Flu Strain Is Spreading

Almost all of the typed flu A viruses are a type called H1N1. It made up 455 of 460 samples tested that week, the federal report says.

That is a change from last season, when a different type called H3N2 led. In Canada, early data suggest a reasonable match between this year’s vaccine and the virus, CP24 reported.

US and Canada Side by Side

We placed the latest figures from both countries next to each other.

Measure	United States	Canada
Flu tests positive	11.3% (week ending November 7)	About 10.8% (early November)
Season start	Earlier than usual	Around mid-October
Main strain so far	H1N1	H1N1, early reports suggest
Severity so far	Low	Too early to judge

US figures come from the federal flu report. Canadian figures come from CP24, citing government data.

Have you had your flu shot this season?

Yes, already done
Not yet, but I plan to
No, I am skipping it
Not sure

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Why It Matters

Flu has already caused at least 2.6 million illnesses and 2,100 deaths in the US this season, federal estimates show. Five children have died.

Holiday gatherings bring people indoors and close together. That gives flu more chances to spread.

Is It Too Late to Get a Flu Shot?

No. Federal guidance says everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each season, with rare exceptions. It takes about two weeks to build protection, says this vaccine guide.

Our flu shot guide covers where to get one and what it costs. Not sure what you have? Compare flu, cold and coronavirus disease (COVID) symptoms.

Book a flu shot for everyone 6 months and older
Wash hands often, especially before meals
Stay home when you are sick
Keep tissues, a thermometer and fluids at home
Call your doctor early if you are high risk

When to Get Help

Get medical care right away if an adult has any of these warning signs, based on federal guidance.

Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Chest or belly pain or pressure that does not stop
Ongoing dizziness, confusion or trouble staying awake
Seizures or not urinating
Fever or cough that gets better, then comes back worse

For children, also watch for fast breathing, bluish lips or face, and no tears when crying. Any fever in a baby younger than 12 weeks needs a doctor right away.

If you do get sick, ask your doctor early about flu antiviral medicines. They work best when started soon after symptoms begin.

Try this today. Check if a nearby pharmacy offers walk-in flu shots. Many do not need an appointment.

How long does a flu shot take to start protecting you?