It is not yet mid-October, but the number of people getting flu is rising across the U.S. Health authorities are warning that the flu season this year could start early, especially in the west of the country. Health authorities usually recommend that people get vaccinated against flu towards the end of October, but the current infection patterns suggest now may be a good time to get your shot.
The rationale behind the October recommendation is that full protection from the virus takes approximately two weeks after one gets vaccinated. That duration enables the body to develop a robust immune response against the virus so that in case of exposure, the body is able to deal with the infection and prevent it from becoming severe.
Additionally, data shows that flu season peaks in the December to February window after starting in the fall. Getting the vaccine in October therefore helps in boosting one’s protection by the time cases tick up.
The flu season of 2025-26 was classified by the CDC as moderately severe. In total, more than 32 million people got infected, 390,000 were hospitalized, and about 81,000 fatalities occurred during that season. In that season, infections skyrocketed in November and the peak was reached in December.
Health authorities say the season took such a toll partly because vaccination rates against flu were low, and also because the vaccines available weren’t a good match for the flu varieties that ended up being most prevalent.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released its interim guidelines for the 2026-27 flu season. What many people may not know is that there are enhanced vaccines designed to trigger a stronger response from the immune system. These are recommended for individuals who are 65 years or older.
For individuals who don’t receive vaccination shots, either by choice or because of their health status, FluMist is available. This flu vaccine comes in the form of a nasal spray and can be used by anyone aged between 2 and 49 years old.
It is important for people over 65 to get vaccinated. Pregnant women, children, individuals with compromised immune systems, and anyone living with a chronic health condition are also among those who need to get vaccinated against flu since they have a high likelihood of developing serious complications if infected by flu.
As the country moves closer to the peak of the flu season, now may be the time to think more seriously about the diagnostic capacity of different medical facilities at the community level. Infections are on the rise, but diagnostic tools aren’t increasing at the same pace. Enterprises like Co-Diagnostics Inc. (NASDAQ: CODX) developing compact diagnostic kits could be well positioned to benefit from this growing need.
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