The 2026-27 U.S. flu season is building earlier than usual: federal surveillance for the week ending Nov. 7 showed influenza activity rising across the country, with seven states reporting high flu activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions that an early increase does not by itself mean the season will peak higher or be more severe.

What the latest CDC flu data show

In its Nov. 13 update, the CDC said multiple flu indicators increased during Week 44, which ended Nov. 7. Seven states were in the high or very high category for influenza-like illness activity, compared with two states the week before. Separately, 11.3% of specimens tested by clinical laboratories were positive for influenza, up from the prior week.

The CDC estimated at least 2.6 million illnesses, 36,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths associated with flu so far this season. These are preliminary estimates and may change as additional reports arrive. The agency also reported five pediatric flu deaths for the 2026-27 season through the week ending Nov. 7.

An early rise does not predict the season’s peak

The figures point to a faster start than is typical for this point in autumn, but they are not a forecast of how intense the full season will be. The CDC’s preliminary assessment rated current flu severity as low across age groups and said the early increase does not necessarily lead to a higher seasonal peak or greater overall severity.

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was the most frequently reported subtype in the latest laboratory surveillance. The CDC says it is too early to know which viruses will predominate or whether the circulating strains will affect this season’s vaccine performance.

What the numbers mean for readers

Weekly surveillance combines different measures, including lab test results, outpatient visits, hospital admissions and reported deaths. They track different parts of flu activity, and early estimates can be revised. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for people 6 months and older; readers can check the agency’s current guidance and local health department updates for information relevant to them.

See more of The Globuzz’s Health coverage for reported public health developments.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FluView: Week 44, ending Nov. 7, 2026; Associated Press, U.S. flu season starts early as activity rises in the South and West.