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Everything you need to know about flu season
· Confirmed
In Short: Health experts warn of an unusually early flu season, urging vaccinations.

The flu season is starting early this year, with cases popping up in pockets of the U.S. before the typical fall peak.
Experts say the flu vaccine will be available at select retailers during the 2026-2027 flu season, and recommend getting vaccinated in September or October.
According to Dr. Thomas Russo, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo, 'Flu season is happening much earlier than usual.'
Medical experts in Maine are already urging residents to get vaccinated, as flu season has begun.
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases advises that everyone aged six months and older should get an annual flu vaccine.
Flu season generally peaks between December and February, but early cases are exceptionally high for this time of year.
Experts reformulate flu vaccines each year based on circulating or predicted virus strains.
Local health experts in the Monadnock Region project an average flu season but warn of significant risks for some individuals.
Public health experts are urging people, especially those with cancer, to take extra precautions this flu season.
In the U.S., colds typically precede the flu season, but early flu cases are already being reported.
Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations, testing, and treatments to mitigate the risk of infection.
The upcoming NFL season and other major sports events are also prompting health reminders for athletes and fans.
What's confirmed
- 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.
- “Flu season is happening much earlier than usual,” says Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York.
- Can you tell us about the new COVID-19? vaccines?
What's still developing
- Usually, colds hit as lesser-evil infections before influenza season takes over.
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