<p>California flu test rate at 9.65%, higher than normal 1% rate for early October, amid mutation of H1N1 influenza A strain</p><p>Flu cases on the west coast are on the rise months earlier than normal, prompting US health experts to stress the importance of the annual vaccine.</p><p>Flu activity typically ramps up in December, hitting its peak in February. But this season has kicked into action earlier this year, with higher positive cases than normal recorded.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/22/flu-cases-west-coast-cdc">Continue reading...</a>
World
Flu cases rise on west coast earlier than usual as US health experts encourage vaccine
<p>California flu test rate at 9.65%, higher than normal 1% rate for early October, amid mutation of H1N1 influenza A strain</p><p>Flu cases on the west coast are on the rise months earlier than normal, prompting US health experts to stress the importance of the annual vaccine.</p><p>Flu activity typically ramps up in December, hitting its peak in February. But this season has kicked into action earlier this year, with higher positive cases than normal recorded.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/22/flu-cases-west-coast-cdc">Continue reading...</a>