# Should You Get a Flu Shot Now?

> CDC reports early flu surge with H1N1 dominance; vaccines recommended before winter peak.
- Title: Should You Get a Flu Shot Now? · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: CDC reports early flu surge with H1N1 dominance; vaccines recommended before winter peak. CDC warns of early flu season with H1N1 virus causing…
- Keywords: cdc, flu shot, h1n1, hospitalizations, influenza, seasonal flu, vaccination, Get, Flu, Shot, Newsweek
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/flu-shot-hospitalizations-virus-cdc-12614896
- Published: 2026-10-25T02:04:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cdc, flu shot, h1n1, hospitalizations, influenza, seasonal flu, vaccination
## Early Flu Surge
CDC reports 4,811 laboratory-confirmed flu hospital admissions nationwide during the week ending October 17.
## H1N1 Dominance
CDC lab surveillance showed 239 of 241 influenza a samples analyzed were h1n1, indicating overwhelming dominance.
## Early Season Start
Walgreens data suggests flu activity is tracking four weeks ahead of recent seasons based on testing and sales.
## Health Expert Advice
Dr. Amesh A. Adalja says flu vaccine prevents severe disease including hospitalization; get vaccinated ASAP.
## State-Level Activity
Louisiana and Hawaii reported moderate flu-like illness; Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Oregon and Washington at low levels.
## Vaccination Recommendation
CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older; September and October preferred months.
## What Happens Next
Health officials will monitor hospitalization trends and h1n1 dominance to determine if season is unusually early.
## Key takeaway

CDC warns of early flu season with H1N1 virus causing hospitalizations; annual flu shots recommended to prevent severe illness.