Flu season 2026-27 is starting early: what Illinois families should know
As of November 5, 2026, flu season is starting earlier than usual. CDC says national flu activity is still low but rising, driven mostly by an H1N1 strain, and flu's share of emergency visits in the Chicago-DuPage area more than doubled in October. A yearly flu shot is still recommended.
Health news · reviewed by the clinical team at Urgent Care Center of WestmontUpdated November 5, 2026
CDC says early-season flu activity is higher than usual for this time of year, though national levels are still low.
Almost all positive flu tests so far are influenza A, mostly H1N1.
CDC estimates at least 1 million flu illnesses and 16,000 hospitalizations this season, as of October 24, 2026.
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each season, and November is not too late.
Flu antiviral medicine helps most when started within two days after symptoms begin.
What is happening with flu right now?
Flu is moving earlier than in a typical year. In its report for the week ending October 24, 2026 (published October 30), the CDC FluView report says early-season flu activity is higher than typically seen at this time of year. National levels are still low, but most signals are rising.
Positive tests: 7.6% of flu tests at clinical labs were positive that week, up from 6.0% for the season so far.
Strain: 98.2% of positive tests were influenza A. Most influenza A viruses checked since late May have been H1N1.
Hospital stays: The weekly flu hospitalization rate was the highest for that week of the season since 2010-11. Adults 65 and older had the highest rate.
Burden so far: CDC estimates at least 1,000,000 illnesses, 16,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths from flu this season.
Children: The first child flu death of the 2026-27 season was reported to CDC that week.
CDC forecasts more flu hospital admissions and emergency visits through mid-November. It is still too early to know which strains will lead the season.
What the numbers show in Illinois and the Chicago-DuPage area
CDC's emergency department tracking gives a closer local look. In the Chicago-DuPage area, which covers Cook and DuPage counties, flu was diagnosed in 0.71% of emergency visits in the week ending October 31, 2026. That is more than double the 0.32% seen five weeks earlier.
Share of emergency visits with a flu diagnosis (CDC National Syndromic Surveillance Program)
Area
Week ending Sept. 26
Week ending Oct. 31
CDC trend
Chicago-DuPage area
0.32%
0.71%
Increasing
Illinois
0.27%
0.55%
Increasing
United States
0.46%
1.68%
Increasing
In the Midwest region that includes Illinois, CDC reported that positive flu tests and hospital admission rates rose in late October. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) posts weekly state numbers on its Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard.
Flu symptoms, and how flu differs from a cold
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Flu tends to hit suddenly. The CDC symptom guide lists fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache and tiredness. Vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children than in adults. Not everyone with flu has a fever.
Flu
Starts suddenly
Fever is common and can last 3 to 4 days
Body aches are common and often severe
Tiredness and weakness are usual
Headache is common
Common cold
Starts gradually
Fever is rare
Aches are slight
Tiredness happens only sometimes
Sneezing, stuffy nose and sore throat are common
COVID-19 and RSV can look like flu, and a test is the only way to tell. See our guide to flu vs. cold vs. COVID vs. RSV.
Who is at higher risk for flu complications?
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Anyone can get very sick from flu, but some people are more likely to. The CDC higher-risk list includes:
Adults 65 and older, who had the highest flu hospitalization rate in late October
Children younger than 2
Pregnant people, and people up to 2 weeks after pregnancy ends
People with asthma, COPD or other lung disease
People with heart disease, diabetes, or kidney or liver disease
People with a weakened immune system, or who have had a stroke
People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care
If you are in a higher-risk group and flu symptoms start, do not wait it out. Early antiviral treatment matters most for you.
Flu vaccine 2026-27: is it too late to get one?
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No. CDC recommends a flu vaccine every season for everyone 6 months and older, and IDPH gives the same advice for Illinois. CDC suggests finishing vaccination by the end of October, but a shot later in the season still helps while flu is spreading. Protection takes about two weeks to build.
All U.S. flu vaccines this season protect against three strains: two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus.
Adults 65 and older are advised to get a high-dose, adjuvanted or recombinant flu vaccine when one is available.
Some children need two doses, given at least four weeks apart.
In CDC lab checks, 94.2% of H1N1 viruses tested so far were well recognized by antibodies made against this season's vaccine strain.
Our clinics offer immunizations, including flu shots. Supply can change, so call (630) 324-6825 to confirm a vaccine is in stock before you come in.
Flu testing and treatment at our Westmont, IL clinics
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Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, has two clinics in Westmont, IL, open 7 days a week. Our team is led by board-certified physicians.
Check inWalk in, or book online for the Cass Ave clinic. The Jewel-Osco clinic takes walk-ins and phone calls.
ExamA clinician asks when symptoms began, checks your temperature and breathing, and listens to your lungs.
TestingWe can swab for flu A and B and test for COVID-19, RSV or strep when your symptoms point that way.
Treatment planYour clinician explains the result and recommends treatment, which may include a prescription antiviral when appropriate.
Imaging if neededIf pneumonia is a concern, a chest X-ray is available at our 29 N Cass Ave clinic only.
The CDC treatment page says antiviral medicine works well when started within two days after symptoms begin. Antibiotics do not treat flu, because flu is caused by a virus.
When should you come in for flu symptoms?
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Most healthy people recover at home with rest and fluids. Consider a visit if:
You are in a higher-risk group and symptoms started in the last two days.
You feel worse after several days instead of better.
You have ear pain, sinus pain or a cough that keeps getting worse.
You need a work or school note.
Stay home until you have had no fever for 24 hours without fever medicine and you feel better overall. For the next five days, wash your hands often and keep your distance from people at higher risk. See our 24-hour fever rule guide.
Is it too late to get a flu shot in November 2026?
No. CDC recommends a flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older each season, and flu activity is still early in its climb. Protection takes about two weeks to build, so getting vaccinated now still helps before flu peaks. Call our office at (630) 324-6825 to confirm flu vaccine is in stock before your visit.
What flu strain is going around in 2026?
Influenza A is causing almost all cases so far. CDC reported that 98.2% of positive flu tests in the week ending October 24, 2026 were influenza A, and most influenza A viruses checked since late May were H1N1. CDC says it is too early to know which strains will lead the whole season.
Does an early flu season mean a worse flu season?
Not necessarily. CDC notes that an earlier start does not mean the peak will be higher or the illness more severe. It does mean flu is already spreading in many places, so getting vaccinated, washing your hands and staying home when sick matter now rather than later in the winter.
Should I get tested for flu or just stay home?
If you are healthy and your symptoms are mild, rest at home is often enough. Testing is most useful when you are at higher risk, are within two days of your first symptoms, or need to know whether you have flu, COVID-19 or RSV. A result helps your clinician decide whether antiviral medicine makes sense.
“I’ve never been to a clinic with such speed, accuracy, and professionalism. Will absolutely return next sickness. Thanks team!”
Justin P. · February 2026 · Google★★★★★
“Very friendly, professional, and quick. I have been to this location before with a very good experience which is why I returned. Back again today and I cannot say enough about the amazing staff in the clinic. So friendly, happy, courteous, professional, and just so gosh darn pleasant. I highly recommend UC of Westmont!!”
Joni A. · December 2025 · Google★★★★★
“Walk in. 1 min wait. No hassle with check in or accepting insurance. My3 3rd visit this year. Always the same. Outstanding care and service! Thank you all!”
