Here’s why health officials say this year’s flu season is starting early Mutated virus lead to early flu season

This year’s flu season began weeks earlier than usual, and doctors say getting vaccinated soon is the best way to protect yourself. Flu season typically starts in October and runs through May, according to health officials.

But health officials say cases have been rising on the West Coast and spreading east.

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The share of flu tests coming back positive has reached 10% in Hawaii, California, Arizona, Nevada and Washington. Nearly all cases are being caused by H1N1, the strain that led to a pandemic in 2009.

This season’s H1N1 variant was not included in the flu vaccine, and people may have limited immunity against it. Still, the vaccine offers some protection, doctors say—and remains the best defense. With flu activity starting early, they recommend getting vaccinated sooner than you might be used to.

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