Flu cases were rising earlier than usual on the U.S. West Coast, prompting vaccine advice
Flu activity is rising early on the U.S. West Coast, prompting experts to urge vaccination. KPRC reports nearly all cases are H1N1, a strain with a mutation; the variant was not included in this season’s vaccine, though doctors say vaccination offers protection. California’s test positivity was 9.65% on Oct. 10; Los Angeles County reported its first two flu-related deaths.
More context
Flu cases are rising on the U.S. West Coast earlier than usual, and health officials are urging people to get vaccinated. A mutated H1N1 strain, the virus behind the 2009 pandemic, is causing nearly all reported cases, according to KPRC. California data show 9.65% of flu tests were positive as of Oct. 10, compared with just over 1% at that point in the previous two seasons. Separately, Los Angeles County reported 7.9% of specimens positive in the week ending Oct. 10; flu hospital admissions rose from 115 to 144. The county also reported its first two flu-related deaths of the season. Both people were older adults with underlying conditions. Nationally, flu activity remained low, but the CDC estimated infections were growing or likely growing in 44 states as of Oct. 21.
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Reporting
- AOL — Flu cases rise on west coast earlier than usual as US health experts encourage vaccine - AOL
- Spectrum News — H1N1 Drives Early Flu Surge in Southern California
- KPRC 2 Click2Houston — Here’s why health officials say this year’s flu season is starting early Mutated virus lead to early flu season
- today.com — Early Flu Season Is Here. What to Know About Mutated Virus H1N1
Verifier’s note
The results report an unusually early flu rise centered on the West Coast and vaccine guidance, consistent with the proposed event. The reports are dated October 23–24, 2026, so the event is current.