The CDC Says Indiana & Kentucky Could See an Early Flu this Season this Year

Flu Cases Are Climbing Early This Year, CDC Says

For the past few days, I can't shake this headache. It's not a bad headache. It just hurts a little above my eye, and it moved from one eye to the other last night. As someone who deals with chronic migraines, though, I stay medicated when I feel a headache coming on because if I don't, I'll end up in the ER.

Usually, when I have a long-lasting, low-grade headache like this, it means I'm fighting something. It's just my body's weird way of dealing with it. And tis the season. Though it's warm enough outside that we're still spending a lot of time outdoors, cold and flu season is coming in hot.

Flu Cases Are Climbing Across the U.S.

Apparently, flu cases are climbing early this year, according to the CDC.

CDC

Seasonal influenza activity remains low nationally but multiple surveillance indicators, including the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza, outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI), emergency department (ED) visits with an influenza discharge diagnosis, and laboratory confirmed influenza associated hospitalizations have been increasing since late August/early September, 2026. -CDC

Currently, only Louisiana is reporting moderate flu activity, but that could change quickly. With numbers trending upward, we could see an early flu season this year.

CDC

How to Protect Yourself During Flu Season

The best defense is to wash your hands regularly and get your annual flu shot. High-risk groups, including people with weakened immune systems, adults older than 65, young children, and pregnant women, should take extra precautions.

It's also recommended that you improve indoor air quality with a HEPA air filter, which can help remove airborne particles from indoor spaces.

With flu activity starting to pick up, now is a good time to take precautions before cases begin spreading more widely.