United States experiences unusually early flu season

The influenza season in the United States has begun approximately two and a half months earlier than typical years, driven by a mutated virus. Unlike standard patterns where the season begins in the South and moves north, this year's surge has primarily impacted West Coast states first.

In Washington state, health officials report that recent positivity rates among those tested have reached levels typically seen in January. Walgreens has noted that the national season is tracking about four weeks ahead of recent years, with an increase in the dispensing of antiviral prescriptions and cold medications. While the virus is spreading eastward across all regions, current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that influenza-like illness visits remain below the national baseline.