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Flu season 2026 is ramping up early—here's what you need to know
Confirmed
In Short: Moderna has announced that its flu vaccine will be available at select retailers during the 2026–2027 flu season, aligning with the advice from health experts to get vaccinated as early as September or October.
Health experts are sounding the alarm as flu cases are surfacing earlier than expected in certain regions of the United States, according to Scientific American. Typically, flu season gains momentum in the fall, peaking between December and February.
Experts emphasize that the flu vaccine is reformulated each year based on the circulating or predicted strains of the virus, making early vaccination crucial for maximum protection.
The early appearance of flu cases is unusual, with experts noting that such occurrences are typically not seen until November or December at the earliest.
Health officials recommend that individuals receive their flu shots as soon as possible to ensure they are protected during the peak flu season.
In other news, Morgan Rogers, a Chelsea player, scored in the first two minutes of a match against the Premier League champions, who later took the lead through Martin Odegaard.
RuPaul's Drag Race alum Chad Piane, who appeared in the show's first eight seasons, is preparing for a comeback, despite concerns about his ability to perform live again.
Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers is set to play in the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, after returning to full practice following a previous absence.
Quarterback Drake Maye of the New England Patriots is facing early-season struggles, including six interceptions and one lost fumble, but attributes his performance issues to decision-making rather than physical limitations.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brett Nix disputes claims of an uneven start, noting that his current completion percentage of 59.9% is a slight decrease from last season's 64.3%.
Alex Cupps has released early Week 2 waiver wire targets for fantasy football, highlighting Jalen Coker as a key player.
Netflix has confirmed the second season of A Different World, bringing back beloved characters like Deborah Wayne for a new school year.
KC Concepcion, a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, has been cleared from concussion protocol and is set to play in the upcoming game.
What this adds
The early appearance of flu cases is a significant deviation from the usual pattern, prompting health experts to advise early vaccinations.
What's confirmed
- Health experts are sounding the alarm as flu cases are surfacing earlier than expected in certain regions of the United States, according to Scientific American. Typically, flu season gains momentum in the fall, peaking between December and February.
- Experts emphasize that the flu vaccine is reformulated each year based on the circulating or predicted strains of the virus, making early vaccination crucial for maximum protection.
- The early appearance of flu cases is unusual, with experts noting that such occurrences are typically not seen until November or December at the earliest.
- Health officials recommend that individuals receive their flu shots as soon as possible to ensure they are protected during the peak flu season.
- In other news, Morgan Rogers, a Chelsea player, scored in the first two minutes of a match against the Premier League champions, who later took the lead through Martin Odegaard.
- RuPaul's Drag Race alum Chad Piane, who appeared in the show's first eight seasons, is preparing for a comeback, despite concerns about his ability to perform live again.
- Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers is set to play in the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, after returning to full practice following a previous absence.
- Quarterback Drake Maye of the New England Patriots is facing early-season struggles, including six interceptions and one lost fumble, but attributes his performance issues to decision-making rather than physical limitations.
- Denver Broncos quarterback Brett Nix disputes claims of an uneven start, noting that his current completion percentage of 59.9% is a slight decrease from last season's 64.3%.
- Alex Cupps has released early Week 2 waiver wire targets for fantasy football, highlighting Jalen Coker as a key player.
- Netflix has confirmed the second season of A Different World, bringing back beloved characters like Deborah Wayne for a new school year.
- KC Concepcion, a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, has been cleared from concussion protocol and is set to play in the upcoming game.
What's still developing
- But already, the flu is popping up early in pockets of the U.S. Here’s why that might be and everything else you need to know as we head into the dreaded annual flu season.
- Moderna had said the vaccine would be available at select retailers during the 2026–2027 flu season.
- Experts say that is exceptionally high for this time of year.
- Every year experts reformulate these vaccines depending on what strains of the virus are circulating or predicted to circulate during the coming winter season.
- Usually, colds hit as lesser-evil infections before influenza season takes over.
- Chelsea summer signing and former Arsenal target Morgan Rogers gave the visitors the lead inside two minutes with his second goal of the season.
- Piane became a familiar face to viewers of RuPaul’s Drag Race during the show’s early years.
- In early 2026, subtle signs began to appear across Paris.
- "That sentiment forms Celine’s determination to fight back against doctors who have worried about her ever performing live again."
- After missing Monday’s practice in Melbourne, he returned to the field and eventually participated fully, an encouraging sign that the 49ers believe their star running back is ready for the physical demands of the season opener.
- Lane built an impressive three-season résumé with the Trojans, hauling in 99 receptions for 1,363 yards and 18 touchdowns, Lane's debut was cut short in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, exiting with a wrist injury after catching one of three targets for 11 yards.
- "I had bad intentions from the beginning," Dubois said.