Flu season gets an early start in Pennsylvania
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios
The flu is getting an earlier start in Pennsylvania and nationwide this year.
Why it matters: Health experts say it's time to get your flu shot if you haven't already.
Zoom in: Pennsylvania reported 807 flu cases from Oct. 4-10, up 386% (from 166) during the same week in 2025, per the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
- In Allegheny County, officials reported 124 flu cases that week, compared with just 10 during the same period last year.
- Flu-related emergency department visits are also up year over year. State health officials say flu activity remains low but is increasing rapidly.
Flashback: The U.S. saw its worst flu season in 25 years last season.
Between the lines: Doctors nationwide urge Americans to get their flu shots now. It takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to provide maximum protection.
- This season, the new U.S.-approved mRNA flu vaccine is available to adults 50 and older.
- Children make up the highest percentage of medical visits in the U.S. for flu-like illness.
The intrigue: Giant Eagle offers $5 toward gas or groceries for customers who get a free flu shot or another eligible vaccine.
Other reminders: Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.
- Stay home when you're sick to avoid spreading germs.
The bottom line: Trish Perl, an infectious diseases and epidemiology professor at UT Southwestern, tells Axios the early uptick in flu positivity is worth watching, but it's too soon to gauge how severe this "reliably unreliable" flu season will be.