Louisiana flu season heats up amid fears of mutated strain outbreak

Zoom in: Louisiana's flu season typically begins in October and lasts through May, with peak months between December and March, according to the state Department of Health.

Threat level: For now, the latest CDC data indicates flu levels in the state remain low.

• Tracking trends within the CDC flu data, however, is challenging because the government shutdown delayed its updates.
• Walgreens has also created its own respiratory illness tracker.

Yes, but: The current version of the strain, H3N2, is spreading rapidly worldwide.

• "There's no doubt this winter will be one of the toughest our staff have ever faced," said James Mackey, who heads the National Health Service in the U.K. where an early outbreak is unfolding.
• Canada, Japan and Hong Kong have also seen a rise in cases.

Go deeper:

• Review flu signs and symptoms from the CDC.
• Fewer kids are getting their flu shots
• CDC formally approves RFK Jr. vaccine panel recommendations
• Workplace insurance stymied by shifting vax rules