Reports of flu are already high in 17 states, and the hospitalization rate hasn’t been this high this early since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, according to the CDC.
The CDC estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 1,600,000 illnesses, 13,000 hospitalizations, and 730 deaths from flu. Here's what to do to protect yourself and what to do if you start feeling sick.
US flu season is off to a fast start as other viruses spread wlrn.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wlrn.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The winter flu season usually ramps up in December or January. Reports of another respiratory virus, RSV, also continue to increase nationally, although health officials are optimistic that they are seeing some early signs that the wave of RSV may be starting to wane.